EVALUATION OF USE OF NARROW DIAMETER IMPLANTS IN POSTERIOR REGION OF THE JAWS

Abstract

The molars are one of the first teeth to be lost over lifetime; thus, their replacement is frequently needed. Implantation is generally the preferred choice to replace a missing single tooth avoiding vital teeth preparation and bridge fabrication. Placement of implant to replace a molar presents diagnostic, surgical, and prosthetic demands, such as an enlarged mesiodistal dimension and occlusal forces distribution. Poor bone quality in the posterior regions, especially the maxilla, could jeopardize the short- and long-term implant success. Anatomical considerations and adjacent vital structures (ie, maxillary sinus and mandibular canal), occlusal loads, and the occlusal table, which is frequently wider than the implant diameter, should also be of some concern. Quality and density of the bone in the posterior regions can compromise initial implant stabilization and load transfer to the bone. The most frequent single molar to be replaced is the first mandibular molar, because this tooth is lost first. Implantation in the posterior area is a predictable procedure over time. The low rate of complications in addition to the high long-term success rate make implant restoration a reliable solution to treat posterior partial edentulism. Hence the present study was planned for evaluation for evaluation of use of narrow diameter implants in in posterior region of the jaws.
 The present study was planned in Department of Impalantology, Manipal College of dental sciences Manipal. Total 20 cases were enrolled in the present study. Out of that 10 cases were scheduled for single unit prosthetic rehabilitation supported by implant in the posterior region of the jaws was evaluated in Group A. These cases were implemented with the Narrow Diameter Implant (NDI). Remaining 10 cases were evaluated in the Group B as control cases. These control patients received the Regular Diameter Implant (RDI).
 The data generated from the present study concludes that NDIs placed in posterior region of the jaws without sufficient bone thickness for placement of RDIs presented a high success and survival rate. In addition to that, NDIs presented marginal bone loss patterns similar to those for RDIs, both in the maxilla and mandible. Thus, it can be suggested that NDIs may be successfully used in the posterior regions of the jaws. More studies with longer follow-up intervals are, however, necessary to further evaluate single crowns supported by NDIs in the posterior region of the jaws.
 Keywords: Narrow Diameter Implants, Posterior Region of the Jaws, Regular Diameter Implant, NDI, RDI, etc.