One-Piece Narrow Implants as the Last Option in Patients With Maxillofacial Deficiency.

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Implantology
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Medically compromised patients, especially those with head/neck cancer or on antiresorptive medication, face increased risks with augmentation procedures.
• Narrow-diameter implants (NDI) can potentially minimize the need for bone augmentation during implant placement.
• Previous research supports the positive outcomes of one-piece mini-implants (1.8-2.9 mm diameter).

Purpose of the Study:

• To report preliminary findings on the use of one-piece narrow-diameter S-Mono implants in patients with maxillofacial deficiency.
• To evaluate the efficacy and necessity of S-Mono implants in challenging patient populations.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 21 S-Mono implants placed in 5 patients with maxillofacial deficiency.
• Implants were placed between March 2019 and March 2023 at Seoul National University Dental Hospital.
• Patient outcomes were monitored, focusing on implant survival and complications.

Main Results:

• One implant failure occurred due to poor bone quality, but successful reinstallation was achieved.
• Preliminary findings suggest S-Mono implants are effective in this patient group.
• The study highlights the potential for improved patient survival and quality of life.

Conclusions:

• One-piece narrow-diameter S-Mono implants demonstrate efficacy in patients with maxillofacial deficiency.
• These implants are particularly beneficial for medically compromised individuals, including those with oral cancer history.
• S-Mono implants can enhance patient survival and improve oral health-related and general quality of life.