Extra-short implants in the prosthetic rehabilitation of the posterior maxilla

Aim: To compare clinical outcomes of ‘extra-short' and regular bone level implants in the posterior maxilla for 12 months after loading. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three systemically healthy, non-smoking patients received 30 extra-short, 24 regular bone level implants. Acrylic stents were fabricated for each patient for correct implant positioning. Implant lengths were 4–6 mm in the test, 8/10 mm in the control group. Radiographic evaluation was performed at baseline, 6, and 12 months after loading. Crestal bone level (CBL), CBL change (CBLC), true crown length (TCL), implant/crown ratio (ICR) and residual bone height (RBH) below maxillary sinus floor were calculated digitally. Data were tested statistically. Results: Residual bone height was significantly lower, and TCL and ICR were higher in the test than the control group (P < 0.0001). CBL measurements at baseline were 0.19 ± 0.18 mm and 0.31 ± 0.37 mm and at 12 months, 0.24 ± 0.24 mm and 0.41 ± 0.31 mm, respectively in the test and control groups. CBL values at 12 months were significantly lower in the test than the control group (P < 0.05). CBLCs were similar at all times (P > 0.05). No correlation was found between the CBLC and implant/prosthetic parameters. Conclusion: Extra-short and regular implants might provide similar clinical outcomes in prosthetic rehabilitation of atrophic maxilla, during 12 months follow-up. © 2019 Australian Dental Association