Platform Switching Technique and Crestal Bone Loss around the Dental Implants: A systematic review

BACKGROUND: The overall success of dental implants depends on the crestal bone support around the implants. During the initial years of dental implant placement, the bone loss around the implants determines the success rate of treatment. Platform switching (PLS) concept preserves the crestal bone loss, and this approach should be applied clinically for the overall success of dental implants. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to discuss the literature dealing with the concept of PLS concept and preservation of marginal bone, the mechanism by which it contributes to maintenance of marginal bone, its clinical applications, advantages, and disadvantages, to assess its survival rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed and Google Scholar search was done to find out the studies involving PLS concept from 2005 to 2017. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. RESULTS: Literature search revealed studies involving concepts of PLS, comparison of platform-switched and nonplatform-switched implants, case reports on PLS, and studies with histological and finite element analyses regarding PLS. CONCLUSION: PLS helps preserve crestal bone around the implants, and this concept should be followed when clinical situations in implant placement permit.