Short Implants: Analysis of 69 Implants Loaded in Mandible Compared With Longer Implants

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Oral Surgery
• Periodontology

Background:

• Short dental implants are increasingly utilized for tooth replacement.
• Previous research indicates favorable outcomes with a two-stage surgical technique.
• Literature suggests their application in various dental contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and predictability of short implants in the posterior mandible.
• To assess bone level changes and survival rates of short implants.
• To determine if short implants can avoid complementary surgical procedures in atrophic mandibles.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-nine short implants (Bone System) were surgically placed in the posterior mandibular region.
• The study included 41 males and 28 females, with a median age of 55 years (range 41-70).
• Implants were assessed using a two-stage surgical technique.

Main Results:

• The mean bone loss at one year post-implantation was 0.20 ± 0.03 mm.
• Mean bone level changes beyond one year were minimal, measuring 0.07 mm.
• The overall survival rate for the short implants was 98.5%.

Conclusions:

• Short implants demonstrated no complications in this cohort.
• These implants represent a predictable treatment option for rehabilitating atrophic posterior mandibles.
• Utilizing short implants can effectively circumvent the need for additional surgical interventions.