The use of short, wide implants in posterior areas with reduced bone height: a retrospective investigation.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Reduced bone height frequently presents a challenge for implant-assisted tooth replacement in partially edentulous patients.
PURPOSE: 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.
MATERIAL AND 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.