Shorter implants in clinical practice: rationale and treatment results.
BACKGROUND
The use of shorter implants offers a number of potential advantages if such utilization yields the same level of treatment success as the use of longer implants. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the survival of short implants in various clinical situations in function over time.


METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted of all patients treated between May 2000 and May 2007 who received endosseous implants that were less than 10 mm in length. Patient age, gender, location of implants, type of prosthesis, time in function, and stability of peri-implant crestal bone were assessed.


RESULTS
The retrospective analysis identified 2,073 implants of 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, or 9 mm in length placed in a variety of clinical situations in 1,774 patients. Cumulative implant survival rates for implants in function in various areas of the mouth supporting single crowns or short-span fixed prostheses ranged from 98.1% to 99.7%. Each indication was examined with regard to individual success and failure rates and mean time in function.


CONCLUSIONS
When utilized appropriately, implants of 6 to 9 mm in length demonstrate cumulative survival rates under function comparable to those reported for longer implants.
Fugazzotto
Paul A
PA
progressiveperio@aol.com
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003442:Crowns; D015921:Dental Implants; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D015921:Dental Implants