A prospective, multi-center study assessing early loading with short implants in posterior regions. A 3-year post-loading follow-up study.

Abstract

Few prospective studies about early loading of short implant have been available and very little evidence exists on the outcomes longer than 3 years. To assess clinical and radiographic outcomes of 6 mm-short implants placed in the posterior maxilla and mandible applying an early loading protocol. Ninety-five short implants (6 mm-short, Ø 4 mm) were placed in 45 subjects at 3 study sites, 2 or 3 implants per subject, using a one-stage surgical procedure and loaded with a screw-retained splinted fixed prosthesis 6 weeks later. Follow-up took place at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after loading. Marginal bone level changes, implant survival, clinical variables, and adverse events were assessed. The survival rate for all implants placed was 95.8%. From implant loading to 3 years follow-up, mean marginal bone level changes were minimal (0.07 ± 0.49 mm) and the peri-implant soft tissue status was healthy. No major technical or biological complications occurred except for the 4 early implant losses. Three-year data indicates that the use of splinted 6 mm-short implants is a viable treatment in posterior regions with low marginal bone resorption. Early loading after 6 weeks should be taken cautiously in patients with known risk factors.