A prospective, multi-center study assessing early loading with short implants in posterior regions. A 3-year post-loading follow-up study

Abstract

Background: Few prospective studies about early loading of short implant have been available and very little evidence exists on the outcomes longer than 3 years.

Purpose: To assess clinical and radiographic outcomes of 6 mm-short implants placed in the posterior maxilla and mandible applying an early loading protocol.

Materials and methods: Ninety-five short implants (6 mm-short, Ø 4 mm) were placed in 45 subjects at 3 study sites, 2 or 3 implants per subject, using a one-stage surgical procedure and loaded with a screw-retained splinted fixed prosthesis 6 weeks later. Follow-up took place at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after loading. Marginal bone level changes, implant survival, clinical variables, and adverse events were assessed.

Results: The survival rate for all implants placed was 95.8%. From implant loading to 3 years follow-up, mean marginal bone level changes were minimal (0.07 ± 0.49 mm) and the peri-implant soft tissue status was healthy. No major technical or biological complications occurred except for the 4 early implant losses.

Conclusion: Three-year data indicates that the use of splinted 6 mm-short implants is a viable treatment in posterior regions with low marginal bone resorption. Early loading after 6 weeks should be taken cautiously in patients with known risk factors.

Keywords: early loading; marginal bone loss; posterior jaws; short implant.