Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Short Locking-Taper Implants Supporting Single Crowns in the Posterior Region: A 12-Year Retrospective Study.

Abstract

Few studies have reported the outcomes of short implants with a follow-up time longer than 10 years. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of the short locking-taper implants supporting single crowns in the posterior region. Patients who received short locking-taper implants (≤ 8 mm) supporting single crowns in the posterior region from 2008 to 2010 were included. The clinical outcomes, radiographic outcomes, and patient satisfaction were recorded. As a result, a total of 18 patients with 34 implants were included. The cumulative survival rate was 91.4% and 83.3% at implant level and patient level, respectively. Tooth brush habit and history of periodontitis were significantly associated with implant failure (P < .05). The median marginal bone loss (MBL) was 0.24 mm (interquartile range: 0.01 to 0.98). Biologic and technical complications occurred in 14.7% and 17.8% implants, respectively. The mean modified sulcus bleeding index and mean peri-implant probing depths were 0.52 ± 0.63 and 2.38 ± 0.79 mm, respectively. All patients were at least quite satisfied, with the majority of patients being fully satisfied (88.9%) with the treatment. Within the limitations of this study, the short locking-taper implants supporting single crowns in the posterior region achieved promising outcomes in the long-term follow-up.