One of the things patients most want to know after implant treatment is whether the bone around the implant will be preserved over the years. After an implant is placed, some bone remodelling at the implant neck is expected, especially within the first year. One of the design approaches developed to minimise this loss is “platform switching”. In this article we explain the concept, the biological reasoning behind it and what the scientific evidence says, from the perspective of a specialist in periodontology.

What is platform switching?

A dental implant consists of two main parts: the implant body placed in the bone, and the abutment attached on top that carries the crown. The top surface of the implant is called the “platform”.

• Platform match: The abutment diameter is the same as the implant platform diameter. The junction lies at the outer edge of the implant, i.e. very close to the bone.
• Platform switching: The abutment is narrower than the implant platform. The junction is shifted towards the centre of the implant, creating a horizontal “step” at the implant edge.

The concept was described in the mid-2000s by Lazzara and Porter. The researchers observed that in cases where wide-diameter implants were restored with standard-sized — that is, narrower — abutments available at the time, bone loss at the implant neck was less than expected, and they began to study this design systematically.

How does platform switching protect the bone?

The main explanations put forward for the design’s possible positive effect on bone are:

1. Moving the micro-gap away from the bone: There is a microscopic gap between the implant and abutment, and this area can be an attachment point for bacteria. When the junction is moved inwards, the cluster of inflammatory cells that forms in this area moves slightly away from the bone edge.
2. Creating space for soft tissue: The gum around an implant needs a certain height to form a “biological seal” that protects the bone. The horizontal step on the platform lets part of this tissue sit in the horizontal plane, which may reduce the need to “claim space” from the bone.
3. Force distribution: Some mechanical studies suggest that moving chewing forces away from the bone edge may reduce stress in the neck area.

These mechanisms are not mutually exclusive; they probably act together. However, how much each contributes is still a subject of research.

What does the scientific evidence say?

Numerous clinical studies comparing platform-switching and platform-match designs, and meta-analyses pooling these studies, have been published. The overall picture can be summarised as follows:

• On average, less bone loss at the implant neck during follow-up has been reported with platform-switching implants.
• The size of the difference is usually in fractions of a millimetre, and there is considerable variation between studies.
• Some analyses suggest the effect may become more pronounced as the diameter difference between implant and abutment increases.
• Evidence on long-term results and on clinical outcomes such as implant loss is more limited.

In short, platform switching is a logical and widely used design feature that can contribute to bone preservation; but it should not be seen as a solution that prevents bone loss on its own.

Platform switch vs platform match

How do manufacturers describe this design? The BEGO example

Today many implant systems have integrated platform switching into their design. For example, BEGO Implant Systems divides its Semados family in its product catalogue into models with “Platform Switch” and “Platform Match” designs. The company’s technical documents for RS/RSX implants state that the integrated platform switch supports preservation of the crestal bone (the bone edge surrounding the implant neck). This is a statement of the manufacturer’s design intent. You can find other technical features of Semados RS/RSX implants in our BEGO Semados guide; the result achieved in an individual patient also depends on the other factors listed below.

What other factors matter for bone preservation?

In periodontology practice, the factors that affect preservation of the bone around implants can be listed as follows:

• Gum (soft tissue) thickness: Thin gum tissue has been associated with more bone remodelling at the implant neck. Where needed, thickness can be increased with soft tissue grafts.
• Attached gum (keratinised mucosa): Having sufficiently firm gum around the implant makes cleaning easier and reduces sensitivity.
• Implant placement depth: The implant’s position relative to the bone level should be chosen to suit its design.
• Frequent removal and refitting of the abutment: Some studies suggest that repeatedly removing the abutment may disrupt the soft tissue attachment.
• History of periodontitis, smoking and diabetes: These conditions increase the risk of peri-implant disease.
• Prosthesis design and cleanability: Prostheses that cannot be cleaned underneath can lead to plaque accumulation.

Who is platform switching suitable for?

Today this design is a feature that can be used routinely in most patients. Especially in aesthetically sensitive areas such as the front of the mouth, preserving bone and gum levels is important, so platform design is also taken into account in planning. However, if bone width is very limited, a balance has to be struck between implant diameter and abutment options. The decision is made by evaluating 3D imaging and the prosthetic plan together.

What are the risks and limitations?

No serious risk specific to the platform-switching design has been identified. However, the following limitations should be known: the size of the effect varies from patient to patient; peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis can develop if good oral hygiene is not maintained; and this design does not remove the need for regular check-ups and professional cleaning. Patients with implants are advised to attend a periodontal check-up at least once or twice a year; depending on risk, this interval may be shortened.

Frequently asked questions

Related pages

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Dt. Mehmet Fuat BozabaSpecialist in periodontology · September 2026

Appointments and information: For questions you can message us on WhatsApp or call Yayla Dental Akademi in Istanbul on +90 544 289 66 33.

Sources: Lazzara RJ, Porter SS, Platform switching: a new concept in implant dentistry for controlling postrestorative crestal bone levels, International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry, 2006; Atieh MA, Ibrahim HM, Atieh AH, Platform switching for marginal bone preservation around dental implants: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Journal of Periodontology, 2010; Berglundh T, Armitage G et al., Peri-implant diseases and conditions: Consensus report of workgroup 4 of the 2017 World Workshop, Journal of Periodontology, 2018; BEGO Implant Systems, Partners in Progress – Product catalogue, 07/2021; BEGO Implant Systems, BEGO Semados RS/RSX and RS/RSX^Pro implants – Technical data sheet (84331-00), 2021.

This article is for information only; diagnosis and treatment planning can only be determined by a dentist after an examination.