Narrow Single Implants with a Reduced Platform (3.0) for the Resolution of Punctual Horizontal Atrophies in the Canine and Premolar Area: Case Series

Abstract

Introduction: Severe unitary atrophies in the horizontal direction make the direct insertion of dental implants difficult. Block grafting or guided bone regeneration in small sites is also complex, sometimes requiring a highly predictable option. The insertion of small-platform, low-diameter implants can be a safe and effective alternative for these sites, even on a single-unit basis. In the following article we present a series of cases rehabilitated with these implants. Material and Methods: Patients with horizontal atrophy of a tooth requiring the insertion of a single implant in the premolar and canine area were recruited, and 3 mm platform implants with a diameter of 3.3 mm were placed between May 2018 and December 2019 in a dental clinic in Vitoria, Spain. Marginal crestal bone loss was calculated by measuring from the implant shoulder to the first site where bone-to-implant contact was evident. The reference for comparing the radiographic records and thus estimating the bone loss produced in each of the patients was the radiograph taken at the time of prosthesis insertion. Qualitative variables were described by frequency analysis. Quantitative variables were described by means of mean and standard deviation. Implant survival was calculated using the Kaplan- Meier method. Result: Eight patients were recruited and eight 3.0 implants were placed in the canine and premolar region in a unitary form with a diameter of 3.3 mm. All implants were rehabilitated in a unitary form, in two phases, using a screw-retained prosthesis with unitary transepithelial. The mean follow-up time was 39.8 months (+/- 18). Survival of the implants studied was 100% and of the prostheses as well. The mean mesial crestal bone loss of the implants studied was 0.77 mm (+/- 0.01) and distal bone loss was 0.35 mm (+/- 0.7). Conclusions: Implants with a reduced diameter and platform can be used as a unit provided that a correct surgical and prosthetic treatment plan is followed, analysing the case as a whole and individualising the approach for each patient.