2018 Volume 31 Issue 3 Pages 216-224
Background : Platform-switched (PS) implants are beneficial for preserving the peri-implant bones, but their effects on the soft tissue remain unclear.
Purpose : The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of implant platform shape on the expression of collagens and adhesion factors in the soft tissue surrounding implants.
Materials and Methods : Ten-week-old rats were randomized into three groups : sham group, non-PS (NPS) group, and PS group. At 2 and 4 weeks after the implantation, the peri-implant soft tissues were harvested and the expression of collagen and cell adhesion molecules was analyzed using real-time PCR. Collagen expression in the decalcified specimens was analyzed immunohistochemically.
Results : We demonstrated that type Ⅻ collagen expression significantly increased in the PS group compared with that in the sham and NPS groups. However, no differences in type I collagen expression were observed between the groups. In the PS group, the expression of integrin α1β1 and connexin 43 was significantly increased compared with that in other groups. Circular collagen fibers were observed in the platform section of the peri-implant soft tissue in the PS group.
Conclusions : Our findings indicate that the PS implant stabilizes the peri-implant soft tissue by organizing closely bound collagen fibers through type Ⅻ collagen expression modulation.
