Five-Year Multicenter Study on One-Piece Narrow Implants for Congenitally Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisors

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Prosthodontics
• Periodontology

Background:

• Congenital maxillary lateral incisor agenesis is a common dental anomaly.
• Limited alveolar bone presents a challenge for traditional implant rehabilitation.
• Narrow-diameter implants (NDIs) offer a less invasive treatment alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the 5-year clinical performance of one-piece, smooth-necked NDIs.
• To assess outcomes in patients with maxillary lateral incisor agenesis and limited alveolar bone.
• To determine implant survival, success, and complication rates.

Main Methods:

• Prospective multicenter study with 46 patients.
• Flapless placement of Ø2.7mm smooth-necked NDIs with immediate loading.
• Clinical and radiographic assessments at baseline, 1 month, 1 year, and 5 years.
• Evaluation of marginal bone levels, soft tissue parameters, esthetics, and complications.

Main Results:

• 97.8% implant survival and 93.5% success rates at 5 years.
• Mean marginal bone loss of 0.84mm at 5 years; stable soft tissue parameters.
• High papilla preservation (89%) and favorable esthetic outcomes.
• Minimal mechanical complications (2 cementation failures, 1 chipping).

Conclusions:

• One-piece NDIs are a reliable and esthetic option for maxillary lateral incisor agenesis.
• They provide a cost-effective, minimally invasive solution for patients with limited alveolar bone.
• High survival rates and stable outcomes support their use in patient-centered care.