A prospective, multi‐center study assessing early loading with short implants in posterior regions. A 3‐year post‐loading follow‐up study.

Abstract: Background: Few prospective studies about early loading of short implant have been available and very little evidence exists on the outcomes longer than 3 years. Purpose: To assess clinical and radiographic outcomes of 6 mm‐short implants placed in the posterior maxilla and mandible applying an early loading protocol. Materials and methods: Ninety‐five short implants (6 mm‐short, Ø 4 mm) were placed in 45 subjects at 3 study sites, 2 or 3 implants per subject, using a one‐stage surgical procedure and loaded with a screw‐retained splinted fixed prosthesis 6 weeks later. Follow‐up took place at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after loading. Marginal bone level changes, implant survival, clinical variables, and adverse events were assessed. Results: The survival rate for all implants placed was 95.8%. From implant loading to 3 years follow‐up, mean marginal bone level changes were minimal (0.07 ± 0.49 mm) and the peri‐implant soft tissue status was healthy. No major technical or biological complications occurred except for the 4 early implant losses. Conclusion: Three‐year data indicates that the use of splinted 6 mm‐short implants is a viable treatment in posterior regions with low marginal bone resorption. Early loading after 6 weeks should be taken cautiously in patients with known risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]