title: Short implants in the severely resorbed maxilla: a 2-year retrospective clinical study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although the predictability of endosseous dental implants is well documented, the restoration of the posterior region of the maxilla remains a challenge. The placement of short implants is one therapeutic option that reduces the need for augmentation therapy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the survival rates of 6 to 8.5 mm-long implants in the severely resorbed maxilla following a surgical protocol for optimized initial implant stability.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 85 patients with 96 short (6-8.5 mm) implants (Brånemark System, Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) supporting single-tooth and partial reconstructions. The implants had a machined (54) or an oxidized (TiUnite, Nobel Biocare AB) (42) surface. A one-stage surgical protocol with delayed loading was used. The patients were followed for at least 2 years after loading (average follow-up period 37.6 months). The marginal bone resorption was assessed by radiographic readings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five implants were lost during the first 9 months, and four implants were lost to follow-up. The cumulative survival rate was 94.6%. Four of the failed implants had a machined surface, and one had an oxidized surface. The mean marginal bone resorption after 2 years in function was 0.44 +/- 0.52 mm.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrates that the use of short implants may be considered for prosthetic rehabilitation of the severely resorbed maxilla as an alternative to more complicated surgical techniques.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, Paris VII University, Paris, France. frenouard@aol.com
authors.forename: Franck
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Renouard
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nisand
mesh_terms: D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001641:Bicuspid; D003442:Crowns; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods*; D015921:Dental Implants; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008963:Molar; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants; D003776:Dental Porcelain