Short Implants Versus Standard Implants: Midterm Outcomes of a Clinical Study.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the midterm survival rate, marginal bone resorption (MBR), and stability of short implants and to compare the results with standard length implants.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 38 patients were included. In total, 147 implants (Nucleoss Implants, Izmir, Turkey) were placed (86 short implants and 61 standard implants). Cement-retained metal-ceramic prostheses were fabricated. MBR was evaluated on periapical radiographs taken at implant placement, at the time of crown insertion and annually thereafter. The stability of the implants was evaluated by resonance frequency analysis.

RESULTS

The 3- and 5-year cumulative survival rates for standard implants was 98.4% and for short implants was 96.5% (P = 0.644). The MBR of the short implants was significantly lower than that of the standard implants after 1, 2, and 3 years of loading (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between 2 groups after 6 and 12 months of loading in terms of implant stability (implant stability quotient values) (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Within the limits of this study, it is concluded that short implants achieved similar results as standard implants after 3 to 5 years of loading.