Rehabilitation of the atrophic posterior mandible with short (4-mm) implants: a case report
Pistilli, R.; Barausse, C.; Checchi, L.; Felice, P.
International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry 34(5): 713-718
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0198-7569 PMID: 25171043 Document Number: 671781
This case report describes a successful implant-prosthetic rehabilitation of an atrophic posterior mandible with 4-mm-long implants. The patient refused to undergo any reconstructive surgery, and because the available bone up to the inferior alveolar nerve was only 5 mm or less, the patient received four implants of 4-mm length. Four months after implant placement, a provisional prosthesis was put in place; after another 4 months, this was then in turn replaced with a definitive prosthesis. The use of such short implants allows a fixed prosthetic solution without the need for vertically augmenting the mandibular bone. This procedure considerably reduces intra- and postoperative patient discomfort compared with reconstructive surgery for the placement of longer implants. The follow-up time was 1 year after implant loading.