Randomized Clinical Investigation of Titanium Implants with and without Platform Switching: Six Months' Radiographic and Clinical Outcome.

The aim of this study was to obtain a randomized, clinical and radiological comparison of implants with and without platform switching (PFS). The two compared titanium implant types differed only in the microgap position: test (PFS) or control (StE, no PFS). All implants were inserted in posterior regions and followed up for six months after abutment connection (AC). Twenty one patients with 21 PFS and 18 StE implants completed the six-month evaluation. No implant failed. One complication (exposed cap screw) was reported at AC. No statistically significant difference was observed between the marginal bone level of PFS and StE implants. Their bone level stabilized approximately 1 mm below the microgap. Based on the outcome of this short-term study with a limited number of patients, it seems unlikely that the optimal clinical and radiological outcome obtained with the tested standard implant (no PFS) can be improved by introducing an inward microgap shift (PFS).

Loading of titanium implants with hydrophilic endosteal surface 3 weeks after insertion: clinical and radiological outcome of a 12-month prospective clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to test whether early loading (21 days after insertion) of implants with a hydrophilic surface is safe and reliable in a general clinical practice setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective multicenter clinical trial conducted in 3 independent surgical practices. Patients were selected according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Implants were placed in posterior regions into healed alveoli and native bone using a 1-stage (unsubmerged) surgical protocol. Loading was to be performed 21 days thereafter. Patients were followed clinically and radiographically for 1 year. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients who received 23 implants were followed for 1 year. None of the osseointegrated implants were lost. One broken provisional crown was reported during the trial period. The crestal bone remained remarkably stable (ie, approximately 1 mm below the microgap). The most coronal bone-to-implant contact stabilized at the level of the first implant thread just beneath the machined collar. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this clinical study, the authors confirmed that loading of implants with a hydrophilic surface 3 weeks after placement appears to be a safe and predictable treatment option. No crestal bone loss was observed 1 year after implant placement. Therefore, it appears that crestal bone loss is dependent on the design features of the specific implant line.