[Clinical evaluation of short implants in atrophic posterior region].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effect of short implants in atrophic posterior region. METHODS: A total of 38 Bicon short implants (≤8 mm) were placed in 30 patients with 3-10 mm of bone height in the posterior region from January to December 2012. The follow-up period was 4 years, radiographic, clinical examination(improved plaque index, improved bleeding index, probing depth)were conducted and patient satisfactions were investigated with Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-I). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS17.0 software package. RESULES: Implant survival rate of short implants was 100% and implant success rate was 94.7%. The mean peri-implant bone resorption value was (0.25±0.65) mm，the change of mesial and distal marginal bone was (-0.23±0.74) mm and (-0.27±0.59) mm, respectively. Crown to implant ratio (C/I)= 1.77±0.34, the implants were divided into 3 groups according to C/I≤1,12,there was no significant difference in marginal bone changes and no correlation between C/I and bone resorption. Through clinical examination，improved plaque index was 1.08±0.88，improved bleeding index was 1.11±0.83 and the average probing depth was (3.08±1.19) mm. OHIP-I score was 2.66±0.88, there was significant difference compared with preoperative OHIP-I score. CONCLUSIONS: Short implants are feasible and the success rate is high in the posterior region with insufficient bone height. The soft tissue around the short implants is in good health.While avoiding complex surgical procedures, reducing trauma, shortening the duration of treatment,short implants have a high degree of acceptance and the patient satisfactions are excellent.At the same time, regular preventive maintenance is important to maintain the long-term stability of implant dentures.