title: Immediate restoration of small-diameter implants in cases of partial posterior edentulism: a 4-year case series.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the use of immediate restorations supported by 3.0-mm-diameter implants as a suitable technique for the rehabilitation of partial posterior edentulism.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty consecutive patients, 18 males and 22 females with a mean age of 54.7 +/- 17.2 years, with partial edentulism in the posterior region were treated with 93 immediately restored 3.0-mm-diameter implants. Forty-eight and 45 implants were placed in the maxilla and mandible, respectively. All implants were placed in healed sites and splinted by the temporary restoration, which was placed to avoid occlusal contact. The final restoration was delivered approximately 6 months after implant insertion. Mean marginal bone loss was assessed using standard periapical radiographs immediately after surgery and at 6-, 12-, 24-, 36-, and 48-month follow-up examinations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All implants had osseointegrated and were clinically stable at the 6-month follow-up. The accumulated mean marginal bone loss was 1.16 +/- 0.90 mm (N = 89) at the 48-month follow-up. No implant fractures occurred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of immediately loaded small-diameter implants supporting fixed partial restorations is a predictable procedure for the rehabilitation of partial posterior edentulism.
authors.affiliation: Private practice, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Degidi
authors.forename: Diego
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nardi
authors.forename: Adriano
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Piattelli
mesh_terms: D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000044:Dental Abutments; D015921:Dental Implants; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003779:Denture Design; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D003831:Denture, Partial, Immediate; D003833:Denture, Partial, Temporary; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D016348:Osseointegration / Q000502:physiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016300:Radiography, Bitewing
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants