The Effect of Platform Switching On The Supporting Structures Of Implant - Retained Mandibular Overdenture

Abstract

This split mouth design study was conducted to evaluate radiographically the effect of two implant/abutment interface configurations; the non-platform switching (platform matching) and the platform-switching, on the peri-implant bone loss in edentulous patients rehabilitated with two implant retained mandibular overdenture. Fourteen completely edentulous male patients were precisely selected from the out-patient clinic of Removable Prosthodontics Department, Faculty of Dentistry-Ain Shams University to participate in this study in an attempt to lower human variables and to eliminate any possible factors that could adversely affect the results of this study. All patients received a platform switching implant on one side, and a non-platform switching implant on the other side (split-mouth technique), with ball and socket attachments. The implants were surgically installed under strict aseptic conditions and delayed loading was done after three months of healing. Standard clinical and laboratory techniques were followed for complete denture construction for all patients. All patients were scheduled for follow up visits to evaluate peri-implant bone height changes at the mesial, distal, buccal, and ling