7-mm-long dental implants: retrospective clinical outcomes in medically compromised patients

Abstract

ObjectivesDental implants shorter than 8 mm, called short dental implants (SDIs), have been considered to have a lower success rate than standard length implants. But recent studies have shown that SDIs have a comparable success rate, and implant diameter was more important for implant survival than implant length. Also, SDIs have many advantages, such as no need for sinus lifting or vertical bone grafting, which may limit use in medically compromised patients.Materials and MethodsIn this study, 33 patients with 47 implants 7-mm long were examined over the last four years. All patients had special medical history and were categorized into 3 groups: systemic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus (controlled or uncontrolled), mental disability, and uncontrolled hypertension; oral cancer ablation with reconstruction, with or without radiotherapy; diverse osteomyelitis, such as osteoradionecrosis and bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Most of these patients have insufficient residual bone quality due to mandible atrophy or sinus pneumatization.ResultsThe implant diameters were 4.0 (n=38), 4.5 (n=8), and 5.0 mm (n=1). Among the 47 implants placed, 2 implants failed before the last follow-up. The survival rate of 7-mm SDIs was 95.74% from stage I surgery to the last follow-up. Survival rates did not differ according to implant diameter. The mean marginal bone loss (MBL) at 3 months, 1 and 2 years was significantly higher than at implant installation, and the MBL at 1 year was also significantly higher than at 3 months. MBL at 1 and 2 years did not differ significantly.ConclusionWithin the limitations of the present study, the results indicate that SDIs provide a reliable treatment, especially for medically compromised patients, to avoid sinus lifting or vertical bone grafting. Further, long-term follow-up is needed.

Effect of Variable Implant Tip Distances on Stress Distribution around the Mental Foramen: A Finite Element Analysis

“…According to finite element analyses, the implant stress values were showed and application points showed lower for cortical bone with the implant diameter were increased [25]. Furthermore, the implant diameter more effectively reduced outer layer of bone strain with increased diameter, when comparing to the implant length when increasing (3.5-fold vs. 1.7-fold) [26].…”

Guidance and rationale for the immediate implant placement in the maxillary molar

“…In our cases, we immediately installed an SDI in five patients, including two re-installation cases. Nguyen et al 46 reported a high survival rate of SDI in medically compromised patients and considered SDI as a reliable treatment in avoiding sinus lifting or vertical bone grafting. In a previous systematic review and meta-analysis, no significant differences in implant survival, marginal bone loss, complications, and prosthesis failure were found between SDI and standard dental implants in posterior jaws.…”

Tapered, Sand-Blasted, Large-Grit, and Acid-Etched Surfaced Internal Dental Implant in the Diverse Pathologic Jaw

“…These results are consistent with those of previous studies showing the clinical feasibility and the benefits of the tapered SLA implant under various clinical conditions, in medically compromised patients, and in poor quality bones. 16,17 To maintain peri-implant tissues in a healthy state and increase patient satisfaction, it is necessary to determine the optimal implant type considering locations of implant placement and surrounding conditions. In the present study, bone level and tissue level implants with internal connection were selectively used in consideration of characteristics of the disease and locations of implant placement.…”