Single crown restorations supported by 6‐mm implants in the resorbed posterior mandible: A 10‐year prospective case series

Abstract

PurposeTo assess marginal bone level changes, implant and restoration survival, condition of the peri‐implant mucosa, and the patient's satisfaction with the single restoration supported by a 6‐mm long implant in the posterior mandible after 10 years in function.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐one consecutive patients missing premolars or molars in the posterior mandible, with a bone volume consisting of a width of at least 6 mm and an estimated height of 8 mm between the top of the ridge and alveolar nerve, were included. Each patient received one or more 6‐mm implants. After 3 months, the implants were restored with custom‐made titanium abutments and cemented zirconia‐based porcelain crowns. The clinical examination and radiograph data were assessed at restoration placement and after 12, 60, and 120 months. The patients answered a questionnaire to score their satisfaction before treatment and after 12, 60, and 120 months with the restoration in function.ResultsA total of 31 implants were placed. Implant survival was 100%. The 10‐year mean marginal bone loss was 0.18 mm (SE: 0.08). The plaque, calculus, gingiva, and bleeding indices scores were low as was the mean pocket probing depth. The patients' satisfaction was high.ConclusionThe 10‐year follow‐up data of this limited case series study reveal that 6‐mm dental implants inserted in the resorbed posterior mandible provide a solid basis for single tooth restorations.