Short implants in the posterior maxilla to avoid sinus augmentation procedure: 5-year results from a retrospective cohort study
International Journal of Implant Dentistry20195:3
Abstract
Background
Short implants present a
promising approach for patients with advanced atrophy to avoid
augmentative procedures. However, concerns about increased biological
and technical complications due to an unfavorable implant-crown ratio
are still present.
Purpose
The aim of the present
retrospective study was to evaluate whether a reduced implant length has
any impact on implant success and peri-implant hard and soft tissue
health in implants placed in the posterior maxilla to avoid sinus
augmentation procedures.
Materials and methods
Fourteen patients received a
total of 30 implants of 7-mm length in the posterior maxilla. Implants
with a mean loading period of 5 years (range 2–7 years) were followed up
clinically and radiologically, with a focus on the peri-implant soft
tissue parameters probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BoP),
and the stability of the marginal peri-implant bone level.
Results
None of the implants were
lost, and no technical failures occurred. A mean PPD of 2.5 mm, a mean
BoP of 13.3%, and a mean marginal bone loss (MBL) of 0.5 mm indicate
healthy peri-implant hard and soft tissue conditions without signs of
peri-implantitis.
Discussion
The present results indicate
the suitability of implants of 7-mm length to replace missing teeth in
the posterior maxilla. An unfavorable implant-crown ratio or reduced
bone-implant contact length seems to have no negative influence on
midterm implant success or on peri-implant hard and soft tissue health.
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