Assessment of narrow-diameter implant survival for single-crown rehabilitation in the molar area

Literature lacks substantial data on survival rates of narrow-diameter dental implants (<3.75 mm) supporting single crowns in posterior molar regions under high masticatory loads. This randomized study compared clinical outcomes in 80 adults receiving narrow- diameter (n=40) versus standard-diameter (≥3.75 mm, n=40) implants for single molar crowns, assessing BOP, PD, mobility and crestal bone levels at 6 and 12 months. Narrow implants showed significantly less crestal bone loss at 6 months (p=0.001) and 12 months (p<0.001) than standard implants; BOP was lower in the narrow group at 3/6 months (p=0.01), though not significant at study end (p=0.42). PD increase was higher in narrow implants at 6/12 months (p<0.001), but implant mobility remained comparable between groups. Thus, we show by confirming equivalent 1-year success of narrow-diameter implants in molars, expanding minimally invasive options for compromised ridges despite limited prior evidence.