Implant diameter and length influence on survival: interim results during the first 2 years of function of implants by a single manufacturer.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of implant length and diameter on implant survival. METHODS A retrospective cohort of 787 consecutive patients from 2 private practices between the years 2008 and 2011 had been evaluated. Patient demographics, site and implant characteristics, and time of follow-up were recorded from the medical files. RESULTS Overall, 3043 implants were investigated. Overall survival rate was 98.7% with 39 implant failures recorded. Survival rates for narrow- (<3.75 mm), regular- (3.75-5 mm), and wide- (>5 mm) diameter implants were 98.2%, 98.7%, and 98.5%, respectively (P = 0.89). Survival rates of short (<10 mm) and regular (10 mm and above) implants were 97% and 98.7%, respectively (P = 0.22). CONCLUSIONS Implant length and diameter were not found to be significant factors affecting implant survival during the first 2 years of function in the present investigation of this specific implant system by a single manufacturer. Further long-term follow-up studies are warranted because 2-years are only interim short-term results when dealing with dental implants.