Assessment of Knowledge on Implant Abutment and Platform Switching among Dental Specialists Practicing Implantology.

Abstract

Implant abutment connection has proven to have a significant impact on the success of the prosthetic rehabilitation for an implant-supported restoration. This connection not only provides the base on which the restoration is supported but also maintains the integrity of the hard and the soft tissues surrounding the implant. A wide range of implants and their implant abutments are now widely available in the market. Such a wide range would undoubtedly put the clinician in a quandary when it comes to selecting an acceptable abutment, one that is scientifically based and also has a high clinical rate of success. As a result, this study is a straightforward attempt to assess the knowledge of the dental specialists practicing implantology on the areas of implant abutment connections as well as platform switching. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge on various implant abutment and platform switching among various dental specialists practicing implantology. An online multiple-choice questionnaire based survey was circulated amongst a total of 100 dental specialists with questions assessing their knowledge about implant-abutment connections, platform switching and its significance. Although the degree of information about implant-abutment connection and platform switching appears to be appropriate among various dental specialists practicing implantology, there is a dearth of understanding regarding the mechanical, biological and technical considerations. With the advent of various implant manufacturer and their production of implants as well as their components, the clinicians are undoubtedly put in a quandary when it comes to selecting an acceptable abutment, one that is scientifically based and also has a high clinical rate of success. Therefore, more light must be thrown not only on the surgical aspects of implant dentistry, but also on the prosthetic rehabilitation and its components, in order to ensure clinical success in terms of restoring a patient's function as well as aesthetic.