Do short and long dental implants have similar survival?
Short and long dental implants may exhibit comparable five-year survival rates, according to a systematic review published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.
Investigators identified 19 randomized controlled trials involving 1,097 short dental implants and 1,117 long dental implants. They defined short and long dental implants as those measuring less than or equal to 6 millimeters and more than or equal to 10 millimeters, respectively. The investigators examined data on implant survival, marginal bone loss and biologic and prosthetic complications across various clinical scenarios.
The five-year survival rates were found to be similar between short and long dental implants in nonaugmented bone and full-mouth rehabilitation in either jaw. Further, the marginal bone level as well as short- and long-term biologic or prosthetic complication rates were similar between both dental implant lengths.
As a result of their findings, the investigators suggested that short dental implants may be effective alternatives to long dental implants in either jaw, and 6-millimeter implants may be used in place of sinus lifts; however, more data may be needed to validate the findings.
Read more: PracticeUpdate
The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.