The Effect of Platform Switching on Periimplant Crevicular Fluid Content During Early Wound Healing

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the soft tissue response and periimplant crevicular fluid (PICF) content around platform-switched (PS) and platform-matched (PM) implants during early healing.

Materials and methods: Nonsmokers treatment planned to receive a single implant in 2 quadrants were recruited. Two-stage implant placement protocol with 1 PM and 1 PS implant was implemented. Periimplant probing depths (PDs), modified sulcus bleeding index, and plaque indices were recorded, and PICF was collected at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after abutment connection.

Results: PD readings were higher at week 1 than at week 6 for both groups (P = 0.0005). PD was statistically deeper in PM than in PS at week 1 (P = 0.03). There was a time-dependent decrease in total PICF volume for both groups. This decrease was statistically significant for PS (P = 0.0005), with no differences between the 2 groups at any time (P > 0.05). The decrease observed in both PM and PS for PICF interleukin 6 and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β, and in PS for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was statistically significant (P ≤ 0.03). TNF-α was statistically higher in PS than in PM at week 1 (P = 0.005).

Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, it seems that periimplant soft tissue response around PM and PS implants is mostly similar during the early healing period.

Figures

Fig. 1

Clinical images of a case during a 6-week healing period. (A) PS site and (B) PM site. 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks indicates 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after implant uncovering surgery; Baseline; at the end of implant uncovering surgery; F, facial view; O, occlusal view.

Fig. 2

Clinical measurements at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after implant uncovering surgery. (A) mPI, (B) mSBI, (C) PD, and (D) PICF total volume. *Statistically significant differences between week 1 and week 6 in PS (P = 0.0005); **Statistically significant differences between week 1 and week 6 in PM (P = 0.0005); ***Statistically significant differences between PS and PM at week 1 (P = 0.03).

Fig. 3

Expression of cytokines IL-6, MIP-1β, and TNF-α in PM or PS groups. (A) IL-6, (B) MIP-1β, and (C) TNF-α. *Statistically significant differences between week 1 and week 6 in PS (P = 0.0005). **Statistically significant differences between week 1 and week 6 in PM (P = 0.0005); #Statistically significant differences between week 1 and week 6 in PS (P = 0.003); ##Statistically significant differences between week 1 and week 6 in PM (P = 0.03); @Statistically significant differences between week 1 and week 6 in PS (P = 0.001); @@Statistically significant differences between PS and PM at week 1 (P = 0.005).