Planning Implant Platform Depth When Using Platform-Shifted Systems

Abstract

Preservation of crestal bone and soft tissue maintenance are essential to long-term dental implant success. Platform-shifting is one technique that has been helpful in stabilizing bone and soft tissues. In recent years, the importance of vertical soft tissue above the platform shift has become an area of increased clinical focus, as has the position of the implant platform depth (IPD). Minimizing bone loss around dental implants has a direct relationship to the inflammatory response and can be achieved in part by placement of the implant in the ideal position for the particular implant system being utilized. The abutment platform depth (APD) has also become a significant issue with regard to vertical shape and height during the initial emergence from the implant. The vertical shape of the abutment helps to establish vertical soft tissues to help support, seal, and protect the crestal bone. This article explores why implant depth and position at placement is one of the key determinants to long-term implant success, and discusses the measurement of the IPD in relationship to APD in base-level abutment restorations utilizing platform-shifted implants, with an emphasis on anatomical landmarks for improving long-term bone preservation.