Subcrestal Position Research Articles

Influence of microgap location and configuration on the periimplant bone morphology in submerged implants. An experimental study in dogs

The vertical location of the implant-abutment connection influences the periimplant bone morphology. It is unknown, however, whether different microgap configurations cause different bone reactions. Therefore, in this study the bone morphologies of two different implant systems were compared. Three months after tooth extraction in eight mongrel dogs, two grit-blasted screw implants with internal Morse taper connection (ANK group) were placed on one side whereas the contralateral side received two oxidized screw implants with external hex (TIU group). One implant on each side was placed level with the bone (equicrestal), the second implant was inserted 1.5 mm below bone level (subcrestal). After 3 months the implants were uncovered. Three months after stage two surgery, histometrical evaluations were performed in order to assess the periimplant bone levels (PBL), the first bone-to-implant contact points (BICP), the width (HBD) and the steepness (SLO) of the bone defect. All implants osseointegrated clinically and histologically. Bone overgrowth of the microgap was seen in ANK implants only. No significant differences between ANK and TIU could be detected in neither vertical position for PBL and BICP. However, a tendency in favor of ANK was visible when the implants were placed subcrestally. In the parameters HBD (ANK equicrestal -0.23 mm; TIU equicrestal -0.51 mm; ANK subcrestal +0.19 mm; TIU subcrestal -0.57 mm) and SLO (ANK equicrestal 35.36 degrees; TIU equicrestal 63.22 degrees; ANK subcrestal 20.40 degrees; TIU subcrestal 44.43 degrees) more pronounced and significant differences were noted. Within the limits of this study, it is concluded that different microgap designs cause different shapes and sizes of the periimplant ('dish-shaped') bone defect in submerged implants both in equicrestal and subcrestal positions.

Influence of platform switching on crestal bone resorption

Purpose: Numerous studies have shown that crestal bone resorption around the implant was related to the location of the implant abutment junction(IAJ). Recently it was hypothesized that platform switching termed the inward horizontal repositioning of the IAJ might limit bone resorption around the implants. The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the effect of platform switching on crestal bone resorption. Materials and Methods: The crestal bone loss of 65 external hex implants in 26 patients were radiographically measured at crown placement and follow-up examinations. 23 standard implants(non-platform switching group, NP) were connected with the matching abutments and 42 wide implants(platform switching group, PS) were connected with the 1 mm smaller diameter abutments. Results: There was significant difference of crestal bone loss between NP group and PS group. For implants in the NP group, mean crestal bone loss was 1.18±0.68 mm at crown placement and 1.42±0.41 mm at follow-up. The meal bone loss in PS group was 0.47±0.52 mm at crown placement and 0.60±0.65 mm at follow-up. When the crestal bone changes according to placement depths of implants were compared, subcrestal position of IAJ had a sig- nificantly less bone loss in PS group, but it was not in NP group. Conclusion: Within the limits of the present study, it was concluded that platform switching technique might decrease crestal bone loss around the implants. Additionally, when the IAJ of implant was placed 1 mm deeper in the alveolar bone, the effect of platform switching on bone loss was enhanced. (J Korean Acad Periodontol 2008;38:135-142)