The use of short, wide implants in posterior areas with reduced bone height: a retrospective investigation.
BACKGROUND
Reduced bone height frequently presents a challenge for implant-assisted tooth replacement in partially edentulous patients.


OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study evaluated the success rate of short, wide hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated implants placed in mandibular and maxillary molar areas with reduced bone height.


METHODS
A total of 168 HA-coated implants (6-mm diameter x 8-mm length) were placed in 167 patients in a private-practice setting. A minimal 6-mm workable ridge height and 8-mm ridge width was available in all situations. Patients were referred back to 1 of 7 referring restorative dentists for restoration of the implants. No attempt was made to standardize the restoration of the implants except to avoid working and nonworking contacts in lateral excursions. Implant success was evaluated according to the following criteria: (1) absence of complaints, (2) absence of recurring peri-implant infection or suppuration, (3) absence of perceptible implant mobility, and (4) absence of radiolucencies at implant-bone junction. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics.


RESULTS
Fifty-four (32.1%), 35 (20.8%), 36 (21.4%), and 42 (25.0%) implants replaced maxillary first and second and mandibular first and second molars, respectively. There were 128 implant-supported single crowns. Thirty-eight implants served as abutments for fixed partial dentures connected to other implants of various sizes. Two implants were involved in cantilevered fixed partial dentures. Patients were followed for up to 68 months (mean=34.9 months) after loading of implants. The overall cumulative success rate was found to be 100%.


CONCLUSIONS
For residual ridges with minimal height but adequate width, the use of short, wide HA-coated implants may offer a simple and predictable treatment alternative in posterior areas.
Griffin
Terrence J
TJ
Department of Periodontology, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Mass. 02111, USA. Terrence.Griffin@tufts.edu
Cheung
Wai S
WS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000737:chemistry; D003442:Crowns; D000044:Dental Abutments; D015921:Dental Implants; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D017886:Durapatite / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008437:Maxilla / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D008963:Molar; D016348:Osseointegration; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D015921:Dental Implants; D017886:Durapatite