Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

04:04
Lateral Molar Approach-Driven Transoral Endoscopic Procedure for Benign Infratemporal Fossa Tumor Resection
Published on: August 15, 2025
Long-term success of implants replacing a single molar
Liran Levin1, Amir Laviv, Devorah Schwartz-Arad
1Department of Oral Rehabilitation, The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Journal of Periodontology
|September 2, 2006
Summary
A single implant effectively replaces a single molar between natural teeth, showing good long-term success and survival rates with low complication incidence. This predictable dental implant treatment is a viable option.
Area of Science:
- Dental Implantology
- Oral Surgery
- Prosthodontics
Background:
- Single molar replacement with dental implants between natural teeth is a common clinical scenario.
- Assessing long-term outcomes and influencing factors is crucial for treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term success and survival rates of single implants used for molar replacement.
- To identify implant characteristics that influence treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 81 patients receiving single molar implants between 1994-2004 was analyzed.
- Data collection included complications, success, and survival rates with a minimum 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Follow-up ranged from 6 to 125 months (mean 36 months).
- The overall implant failure rate was 7.4%, with causes including neck fractures and infection/bone loss.
- Complications like suppuration (11.1%) and peri-implant pockets (2.5%) were observed, with no correlation to smoking or placement timing.
Conclusions:
- Single dental implants provide a predictable and successful long-term solution for replacing single molars.
- Low complication and failure rates support single implant use in this context.