Methods:
A meta-analysis on prospective clinical trials yielded thirteen studies with 1,955 dental implants, of which 914 were short implants < 10 mm in length.
Results:
Short implants had an estimated survival rate of 88.1% at 168 months, compared to a similar survival rate of 86.7% for standard implants (P=0.254). The peak failure rate for short dental implants occurred between 4 and 6 years of function. The peak failure rate for standard implants occurred between 6 and 8 years of function.
Conclusions:
Similar long term survival rates for implants < 10 mm in length compared to longer implants. When implant failure did occur, it was at an earlier stage for the shorter implants.
Dr. Gebrael’s Comments:
Bone augmentation procedures have limitations and may not be acceptable to many patients due to increases in cost, treatment duration, and site morbidity. Short implants can be used with a good long term survival rate. This meta-analysis however was not able to determine the influence of bone density or type of prosthetic reconstruction on implant survival.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE REFER TO:
Are Short Dental Implants (< 10mm) Effective?
A Meta-Analysis on Prospective Clinical Trials
Monje A, Chan HL, Fu JH, Suarez F, Galindo-Moreno P, Wang HM
Journal of Periodontology July 2013, Vol. 84, No. 7, Pages 895- 904