Short Implants and Conventional Implants in The Residual Maxillary Alveolar Ridge: A 36-Month Follow-Up Observation.

Abstract

BackgroundShort dental implants are considered an alternative method of treatment to the maxillary sinus elevation and bone augmentation procedure at the sites of a reduced alveolar ridge height.The aim of the study was to determine the most effective therapeutic approach for a single tooth replacement in a reduced maxillary alveolar crest.Material/MethodsWe enrolled 30 partially edentulous patients having a residual crestal height of 6 mm and a minimal width of the alveolar ridge of 6–7 mm: 15 patients received regular dental implants (OsseoSpeed™ L11 Ø4 mm and L13 Ø4 mm) and the implantation was preceded by the sinus lift procedure from a lateral window approach with the application of a xenogeneic bone graft, whereas the remaining 15 patients received short implants (OsseoSpeed™ L6 mm Ø4 mm) without the sinus lift and augmentation procedure.All implants were loaded with single non-splinted crowns. Radiological examination (CBCT, RVG) was performed before the surgery and after 36 months. Primary and secondary stabilization with Osstell ISQ® and Periotest® were assessed.ResultsGood results in primary and secondary stability were achieved in both systems. The marginal bone level (MBL) loss was low (0.22±0.46 mm and 0.34±0.24 mm, for short and conventional implants, respectively). No significant difference in MBL between groups was found.ConclusionsShort implants can be successfully used to support single crowns in the lateral part of the maxilla.