Morse taper dental implants and platform switching: Thenew paradigm in oral implantology

Abstract

The aim of this study was to conduct a literature review on the potential benefits with the use of Morse taper dental implant connections associated with small diameter platform switching abutments. A Medline bibliographical search (from 1961 to 2014) was carried out. The following search items were explored: 'Bone loss and platform switching,' 'bone loss and implant-abutment joint,' 'bone resorption and platform switching,' 'bone resorption and implant-abutment joint,' 'Morse taper and platform switching.' 'Morse taper and implant-abutment joint,' Morse taper and bone resorption,' 'crestal bone remodeling and implant-abutment joint,' 'crestal bone remodeling and platform switching.' The selection criteria used for the article were: meta-analysis; randomized controlled trials; prospective cohort studies; as well as reviews written in English, Portuguese, or Spanish languages. Within the 287 studies identified, 81 relevant and recent studies were selected. Results indicated a reduced occurrence of peri-implantitis and bone loss at the abutment/implant level associated with Morse taper implants and a reduced-diameter platform switching abutment. Extrapolation of data from previous studies indicates that Morse taper connections associated with platform switching have shown less inflammation and possible bone loss with the peri-implant soft tissues. However, more long-term studies are needed to confirm these trends.