Immediate Loading of Short Implants in Posterior Maxillae: Case Series

BACKGROUND There is an increasing number of scientific evidence supporting the clinical use of short dental implants. However, few studies have evaluated the long-term outcomes of immediate loading protocols in short implants. This study aims to evaluate immediate loading of short dental implants in the posterior regions of the maxillae. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients having short implants in maxillae posterior areas inserted before December, 2010 and immediately loaded were selected. The following data were gathered regarding patients' age and gender, implant dimensions, anatomical location, and prosthodontic treatment. The outcome variables were peri-implant bone remodeling and the survival rates of the short implants and the prosthesis. RESULTS A 10 short implants were placed in 8 patients. The mean follow-up time was 4.6 ± 1.21 years after loading and 1 implant failed. One prosthetic complication occurred. No prostheses failed resulting in a survival rate of 100%. CONCLUSIONS The immediate loading of short implants in maxillae posterior areas could save time, cost and could be regarded as a successful treatment.