Randomized controlled multicentre study comparing short dental implants (6 mm) versus longer dental implants (11–15 mm) in combination with sinus floor elevation procedures: 5‐Year data

Abstract

To compare the implant survival rate between short dental implants and standard length implants placed in combination with bone grafting at 5years of loading. This multicentre study enrolled 101 patients (137 implants) with a posterior maxillary bone height of 5-7mm. Patients randomly received either short implants (6mm; GS) or long implants (11-15mm) with sinus grafting (GG). Six months later, implants were loaded with single crowns and patients re-examined at 1, 3 and 5years of loading. Outcomes included: implant survival, marginal bone levels (MBLs), biological and technical parameters and patient-reported outcome measures (OHIP-49=Oral Health Impact Profile). Statistical analysis was performed using a non-parametric approach. At 5years, 90 patients (124 implants; GS: 60; GG: 64) were re-examined (drop-out rate 10%). Patient-level implant survival rates were 98.5% (GS; 1 implant failure) and 100% (GG; p=0.49). Mean MBLs were 0.54mm±0.87 (GS) and 0.46mm±1.00 (GG; p=0.34). Biological and technical parameters were not significantly different (p>0.05). Median overall OHIP-49 scores improved significantly up to 5years in both groups (GS: p=0.03; GG: p=0.00; intergroup comparison p=0.11). Both treatment modalities were suitable for implant therapy in the atrophied posterior maxilla revealing no differences in terms of survival rates, marginal bone levels (changes), patient-reported outcomes and technical/biological complications.