Implant platform switching concept: an updated review.

PURPOSE To review published articles dealing with platform switched implants in order to assess survival rates and clarify their influence both on marginal bone loss around the cervical region of the implant and on soft tissue aesthetics. MATERIAL AND METHODS PubMed and GallileUM databases were used to identify any studies or clinical cases involving implant platform switching published between January 2000 and August 2008. Studies both of human beings and animals were reviewed whenever they included the relevant implant diameter, length, surface and connection data. RESULTS Twelve studies of platform switching in humans (75%) and in animal models (25%) were evaluated. Mean implant length was found to be 11.66 +/- 0.2 SD mm and mean diameter was 4.9+/- 0.52 SD mm. CONCLUSION It was shown that platform switching helps to prevent crestal bone loss after implant placement and helps obtain satisfactory aesthetic results.