Randomized controlled multicentre study comparing short dental implants (6 mm) versus longer dental implants...

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Periodontology
• Oral Surgery

Background:

• Atrophic posterior maxilla presents challenges for dental implant placement.
• Short dental implants (6 mm) offer a less invasive alternative to standard length implants combined with bone grafting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare implant survival rates between short dental implants and standard length implants with sinus grafting at 5 years.
• To evaluate marginal bone levels, biological/technical complications, and patient-reported outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter study randomized 101 patients to receive either short implants (GS) or standard length implants with sinus grafting (GG).
• Implants were loaded after 6 months, with follow-ups at 1, 3, and 5 years.
• Outcomes assessed included implant survival, marginal bone levels (MBLs), and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49) scores.

Main Results:

• At 5 years, implant survival rates were 98.5% for short implants and 100% for grafted implants (p=0.49).
• Mean marginal bone loss was similar between groups (0.54 mm ± 0.87 mm for GS vs. 0.46 mm ± 1.00 mm for GG; p=0.34).
• No significant differences were found in biological/technical parameters; patient-reported outcomes (OHIP-49) improved significantly in both groups.

Conclusions:

• Short dental implants and standard length implants with sinus grafting are both effective for the atrophied posterior maxilla.
• Both treatment modalities demonstrate comparable long-term survival rates, marginal bone stability, and patient satisfaction.
• These findings support the use of short implants as a viable alternative to bone grafting procedures in specific maxillary bone deficiencies.