Radiographic evaluation of conical tapered platform‐switched implants in the posterior mandible: 1‐year results of a two‐center prospective study

OBJECTIVE Long-term success of dental implants depends on healthy peri-implant soft tissues and adequate bone levels. This prospective study aims to assess bone level changes around implants with internal conical connection and platform-switching abutments in the posterior mandible. MATERIAL AND METHODS Adult patients missing at least two teeth in the posterior mandible and with a natural tooth mesial to the implant site received two or three adjacent internal conical connection implants. After a minimum transmucosal healing period of 8 weeks, single crown restorations were cemented over platform-switching abutments. Changes in marginal bone levels were measured in standardized periapical radiographs from surgery and loading (baseline) to 12 months post-loading. RESULTS Twenty-four patients received 52 implants. Bone remodeling took place between surgery and loading (-0.53 ± 0.40 mm). From loading to 12 months, there was a mean bone gain of 0.12 ± 0.42 mm which occurred mainly in the first 6 months after prosthesis delivery (0.11 ± 0.36 mm) and stabilized afterward. A total of 71.7% of all implants presented bone preservation or gain. No implant was lost at 1 year and the success rate was 100%. Patient inquiry revealed high satisfaction. CONCLUSION Internal conical connection implants with platform-switching abutments presented high success rate and enhancement or preservation of marginal bone levels after 1 year of loading.