Immediate provisionalization on a new implant design for esthetic restoration and preserving crestal bone.
OBJECTIVE
This article describes how the concept of platform switching has been incorporated into a new implant design as a method of reducing crestal bone loss and maintaining the gingival papillae. A 6-month study of the effects of this implant on bone loss is described.


METHODS
Ten new platform switched implants were placed into fresh anterior maxillary extraction sites in 3 men and 7 women, ranging in age between 29 and 45 years old, and immediately provisionalized. The adjoining bone height was evaluated with digital radiography on the day after implant placement, and at 15 days, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months later.


RESULTS
After 6 months, the mean bone loss on the mesial of the central-incisor implants was 0.05 mm. The mean bone loss was 0.07 mm on the distal of the central incisor implants, 0.07 mm on the mesial of the lateral-incisor implants, and 0.06 mm on the distal of the lateral-incisor implants.


CONCLUSIONS
An implant design that incorporates the concept of platform switching is a simple and effective way to control circumferential bone loss around dental implants, helping to ensure a predictable esthetic result.
Calvo Guirado
José Luis
JL
School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Murcia, Mozart Street #1, Murcia, Spain 30002. josecalvog@ono.com
Saez Yuguero
Maria Rosario
MR
Pardo Zamora
Guillermo
G
Muñoz Barrio
Emilio
E
D000328:Adult; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003442:Crowns; D000044:Dental Abutments; D015921:Dental Implants; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005881:Gingiva / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital; D013499:Surface Properties; D020390:Tooth Socket / Q000601:surgery
D015921:Dental Implants