Steri-Oss种植体支持固定和可摘义齿修复牙列缺失患者的临床回顾研究

目的：研究十年观察期内用Steri-Oss种植体修复牙列缺失患者种植体生存率和影响因素。方法：自1995-2006年,共有57例无牙颌患者接受种植与修复治疗,共353颗Steri-Oss种植体。其中81颗种植体（22.95%）做固定修复,272颗种植体（77.05%）做可摘义齿修复,观察性别、种植体部位和修复类型对种植体成功率的影响。结果：其中有9例病人24颗种植体脱落,种植体成功率93.20%,女性病人的种植体生存率略低,但性别没有显著的差异（P〉0.05）。累计的种植体生存率上颌骨92.64%,略低于下颌骨93.68%,但统计学上的没有显著差异（P〉0.05）。种植体支持的固定修复的十年成功率是97.5%,种植体固位的可摘义齿成功率99.02%,累计的种植体生存率在可摘与固定义齿修复之间没有显著性差异（P〉0.05）。结论：确认了种植体支持无牙颌病人修复学中长期成功率。种植体固位的可摘全口义齿治疗方式在种植体生存率上和种植体支持的固定义齿的结果是相同的。     

Full-arch restoration of the jaw with fixed ceramo-metal prosthesis: late implant placement

BACKGROUND: The completely edentulous patient has few treatment options in conventional dentistry. When implants are considered, treatment plans range from a 2-implant overdenture to a completely implant-supported prosthesis. Fixed prosthesis is often the preferred selection of the edentulous patient. This study assesses the 5-year cumulative survival rate of implants placed to support full-arch fixed restoration. METHODS: During 1990 to 1995, 171 implants were placed in 22 completely edentulous jaws of 20 patients. All patients were discharged wearing immediate dentures. The implants were analyzed as to the number of implants per jaw, implant location, length, and diameter. RESULTS: The 5-year cumulative survival rate was 89.9%. The mean number of implants per jaw was 7.7 for the maxilla and 8 for the mandible. In the maxilla, the preferred implant locations were the canines, centrals, laterals, and first premolars; in the mandible, they were the canines, laterals, and first molars. The mean implant length was 14.2 mm for the mandible and 13.2 mm for the maxilla. The mean implant diameter was 3.6 mm for the maxilla and 3.8 for the mandible. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study indicate that fixed full-arch ceramo-metal restorations can be a predictable implant treatment modality for the edentulous patient.     

Implant-retained oral appliances: a novel treatment for edentulous patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

OBJECTIVES: Mandibular repositioning appliances (MRAs) are a viable treatment alternative in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Because these appliances require retention in the patient's dentition, edentelous patients generally do not qualify for this treatment. This study describes our experiences with an implant-retained MRA in the treatment of edentulous OSAHS patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six edentulous OSAHS patients were included in this study. Standard treatment consisted of the placement of four endosseous dental implants in the mandible and the construction of a new maxillary denture and a mandibular overdenture. Subsequently, an MRA was made. After a habituation and adjustment period, the effect of treatment was evaluated with polysomnography. Treatment was considered effective in cases where it yielded an apnea-hypopnea index <5. RESULTS: Of the six patients included, two did not tolerate the MRA because of pressure-induced discomfort on the labial mucosa in the maxilla. These two patients were offered an implant-retained overdenture and MRA in the maxilla. One of the two patients proceeded with this secondary treatment. Of the five patients completing the follow-up polysomnography, effective OSAHS treatment was attained in four. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study suggest that an implant-retained MRA in the mandible is a viable treatment modality in edentulous OSAHS patients. Because the therapeutic effectiveness of this treatment may be compromised by excessive pressure of the MRA on the labial mucosa in the maxilla, we suggest that an implant-retained MRA in the maxilla be offered as a secondary treatment in selected patients.     

Cystic lesions of the jaws in edentulous patients: analysis of 27 cases

In this retrospective study we reviewed the distribution, characteristics, and treatment of 27 cystic jaw lesions in edentulous patients, and compared these with 242 cysts in dentate patients. The mean age was 60 years (range 46–74), and the male:female ratio 4.4:1. The maxilla was more affected than the mandible, with radicular/residual cysts being the most common. Patients were treated by marsupialisation, enucleation, or enucleation with bone grafting. Edentulous men were at higher risk than women of developing cystic lesions in the maxilla. Patients who are edentulous alert us to the possibility that their general health may be compromised, and this should be kept in mind when planning treatment.     

Quantitative estimation of vertical heights of maxillary and mandibular jawbones in elderly dentate and edentulous subjects

The residual alveolar ridge resorption is inevitable with aging. The purpose of the study was to determine and compare differences in the vertical measurements of jaw bones in elderly dentate and edentulous subjects. The study sample included 51 elderly dentate subjects and 59 edentulous subjects. The panoramic radiographs were used to quantify the reduction in the alveolar ridges at 5 sites in each jaw. There were significant differences between elderly dentate and edentulous subjects in maxilla and mandible. The percentage reduction in the vertical height of edentulous subjects as compared to dentate subjects ranges from 29% to 39%. The reduction in the heights was greater in mandible than in maxilla in both the study groups. The vertical measurements were significantly greater in men than in women in maxilla and the mandible. Vertical heights of maxillary and mandibular jaw bones are important factors in planning complete denture and the implant supported prosthesis. Further studies would be necessary to determine the region specific resorption of jaw bones and its association with the duration of denture wear in edentulous subjects.     

A 3-arm study of early loading of rough-surfaced implants in the completely edentulous maxilla and in the edentulous posterior maxilla and mandible: results after 1 year of loading

PURPOSE: The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate the concept of early loading of rough-surfaced implants in the completely edentulous maxilla and in the edentulous posterior mandible and maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four consecutive patients were treated. Twenty patients were completely edentulous in the maxilla (group A), 19 patients were edentulous in the posterior left and/or right maxilla (group B), and 15 patients were edentulous in the posterior left and/or right mandible (group C). One patient in group B and 5 in group C were bilaterally treated. Two hundred thirty-four solid screw-type, sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) ITI implants were placed, 58 (25%) immediately after tooth extraction. Mean placement torque and standard deviations were measured at all sites. Sixty fixed prostheses were delivered after a mean delay of 9 days (range, 4 to 22 days). Mean marginal bone reduction was measured after 1 year of loading. RESULTS: Two implants were lost (0.9%), 1 before functional loading and 1 after 1 year. All other implants were clinically stable, with a mean marginal bone loss of 0.75 mm (+/-1.3 mm). Marginal bone loss ranged from 0 to 3.5 mm. Mean placement torque on implants placed in healed bone or immediately after tooth extraction ranged from 29.1+/-9.3 Ncm to 35.5+/-5.8 Ncm. No statistical difference was found (P > .05) between implants placed in healed bone and those placed immediately after tooth extraction. DISCUSSION: There is little documentation for immediate or early loading in the areas studied. However, in this study, favorable results were obtained in 54 consecutive patients in these regions. CONCLUSION: In this study population, early loading protocols can be applied with predictable results using rough-surfaced implants for rehabilitation of the completely edentulous maxilla, posterior maxilla, and posterior mandible.     

The adaptation of implant-supported superstructures to the alveolar crest: a follow-up of 49 cases

A prospective clinical and radiographic study has been carried out in 49 patients with a total of 252 implants. In a mixture of 17 edentulous mandibles, 20 edentulous maxillas, nine partial edentulous cases, and three single-tooth cases, prosthetic treatments were aimed at getting as close an adaptation as possible between gingival tissues and superstructure. The shortest possible abutments were used, and the implants were surgically positioned subcrestally. The results during a 5-year follow-up showed a success rate of 98.9% for fixtures in the lower jaw and 96.3% for the upper jaw with a total success rate of 97.3%. The marginal bone reduction during five years with closely adapted superstructures was 0.11 mm in the mandible and 1.1 mm in the maxilla. Our results support the use of close gingivally adapted superstructures, although oral hygiene controls and instructions are regularly advisable.     

Maxillary anterior and mandibular posterior residual ridge resorption in patients wearing a mandibular implant-retained overdenture

The mandibular implant-retained overdenture could improve masticatory function compared to the conventional complete denture. However, increased forces exerted by the overdenture could increase residual ridge resorption of the maxillary anterior and mandibular posterior areas. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the mandibular implant-retained overdenture using two or four dental implants, or the conventional complete denture on resorption of the residual ridge of the maxillary anterior and mandibular posterior areas over a period of 10 years. In total, 120 patients, 30 patients treated with an overdenture on two implants (two-implant group), 30 patients with an overdenture on four implants (four-implant group) and 60 patients treated with a conventional full denture (conventional group), participated in this study. On panoramic radiographs, made before and 10 years after treatment, proportional area measurements were applied to determine changes in bone height. After 10 years, a statistically significant amount of bone resorption had occurred in the anterior maxilla in the two-implant group and in the four-implant group. A significant amount of bone resorption had occurred in the posterior mandible in all three groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in both areas. Patients presented large individual differences. It is concluded that patients rehabilitated with implant-retained mandibular overdentures are not subjected to more residual ridge resorption in the anterior maxilla when compared to patients wearing a conventional full denture. Regarding the mandibular posterior residual ridge, resorption was irrespective of wearing an implant-retained mandibular overdenture or a conventional mandibular denture.     

CNC‐Milled Titanium Frameworks Supported by Implants in the Edentulous Jaw: A 10‐Year Comparative Clinical Study

Background: No long‐term clinical studies covering more than 5 years are available on Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) milled titanium frameworks. Aim: To evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic performance of implant‐supported prostheses provided with CNC titanium frameworks in the edentulous jaw with prostheses with cast gold‐alloy frameworks during the first 10 years of function. Material and Methods: Altogether, 126 edentulous patients were by random provided with 67 prostheses with titanium frameworks (test) in 23 maxillas and 44 mandibles, and with 62 prostheses with gold‐alloy castings (control) in 31 maxillas and 31 mandibles. Clinical and radiographic 10‐year data were collected for the groups and statistically compared on patient level. Results: The 10‐year prosthesis and implant cumulative survival rate was 95.6% compared with 98.3%, and 95.0% compared with 97.9% for test and control groups, respectively (p > .05). No implants were lost after 5 years of follow‐up. Smokers lost more implants than nonsmokers after 5 years of follow‐up (p < .01). Mean marginal bone loss in the test group was 0.7 mm (SD 0.61) and 0.7 mm (SD 0.85) in the maxilla and mandible, with similar pattern in the control group (p > .05), respectively. One prosthesis was lost in each group due to loss of implants, and one prosthesis failed due to framework fracture in the test group. Two metal fractures were registered in each group. More appointments of maintenance were needed for the prostheses in the maxilla compared with those in the mandible (p < .001). Conclusion: The frequency of complications was low with similar clinical and radiological performance for both groups during 10 years. CNC‐milled titanium frameworks are a viable alternative to gold‐alloy castings for restoring patients with implant‐supported prostheses in the edentulous jaw.     

A retrospective analysis of sandblasted, acid-etched implants with reduced healing times with an observation period of up to 5 years

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the success rate of 2 different implant systems with sandblasted and acid-etched modified surfaces loaded after reduced healing periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred seventeen patients with a mean observation period of 3.75 years (24 to 61 months) were included in this evaluation. Chart reviews of a standardized recall program were evaluated. All 532 placed implants showed an unloaded healing time of 6 weeks in the mandible and 12 weeks in the maxilla. At abutment placement a torque value of 35 Ncm was one of the primary variables, and the success of the implants over time was determined by the criteria of Buser et al. The survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method, and the probability of an event within 1 group independent of time was evaluated using the chi-square test and Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Of the 532 implants, 235 were placed in female and 297 in male patients; 448 implants were located in the maxilla and 84 in the mandible. Three implants were lost prior to abutment connection in 3 patients. Life table analyses show an overall success rate of 99.4% at 5 years, as no implants were lost after abutment connection. There was no significant association of the implant type (P = .185), gender (P = .99), or jaw (maxilla/mandible; P = .06) and the survival of the implants within this study. CONCLUSION: Based on the data found in this investigation, it can be concluded that implants with sandblasted, acid-etched surfaces can be restored after a 6- to 12-week healing period with a high predictability of success.     

Long-term marginal periimplant bone loss in edentulous patients

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the long-term periimplant bone loss in patients treated with implant-supported fixed prostheses in both jaws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The participants comprised 44 edentulous patients who have been followed for a 15-year period after treatment with a fixed implant-supported prosthesis in the mandible. Thirteen of them also received an implant-supported fixed prosthesis in the maxilla, on average 4.5 years after the mandibular treatment. The periimplant bone level was measured on intraoral radiographs. RESULTS: The long-term results of the implant treatment were successful, and only 1% (3/273) of the implants were lost in the mandible and 7% (5/75) in the maxilla. All but one of the failures occurred before the connection of the prostheses. The mean marginal bone loss around the implants was small (less than 1 mm for a 10-year period after implant placement), and was of similar magnitude in both jaws. However, the individual variation was relatively great. There was no significant difference in marginal bone loss between those who had a maxillary complete denture during the entire observation period and those who had received a fixed implant-supported maxillary prosthesis. Smokers lost more periimplant bone than did the nonsmokers; the difference was significant in the mandible but small and nonsignificant in the maxilla. CONCLUSION: The long-term periimplant bone loss was small and of similar magnitude in the mandible and the maxilla in subjects who had received implant-supported fixed prostheses in both jaws. The prosthetic status in the maxilla, i.e., complete denture or fixed implant-supported prosthesis, had no significant influence on the mandibular periimplant bone loss.     

Treatment outcomes for adolescent ectodermal dysplasia patients treated with dental implants

To evaluate dental implant survival in patients with ectodermal dysplasia (ED). To assess patterns of hypodontia in this patient group. METHOD:. A retrospective analysis of the use of dental implants in ED patients treated at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. RESULTS: Sixty-one implants were placed into 14 patients (nine male and five female). The mean age of patients receiving maxillary implants was 18 years 6 months (range 17 years 9 months-20 years 0 months) and mandibular implants was 17 years 5 months (range 12 years 2 months-21 years 11 months). The mean follow-up period was 3 years 4 months (range 1 year 18 months-5 years 1 month). Forty-three implants were placed in the anterior mandible, three in the posterior mandible and the remaining 15 in the anterior maxilla. Of the 61 implants placed, 54 [88.5%] successfully integrated and were able to be restored. Three of the 15 implants placed into the anterior maxilla [20%] failed, while four of the 46 in the anterior mandible failed [8.7%]. Five of the 14 patients [35.7%] had at least one implant fail prior to abutment connection. At the 12-month review appointments, 41 of the integrated 54 implants [76%] were reviewed and classed as successful, giving an overall success at follow up of 67.2%. Thirteen implants [21.3%] were unable to be reviewed owing to geographical reasons. Teeth most likely to be present in the maxilla were the central incisors [71%], first molars [54%] and canines [43%], whereas in the mandible they were the canines [53%] and the first premolars and first molars [40%]. CONCLUSIONS: Dental implants can be placed, restored and loaded in ED patients. Maxillary teeth most likely to be present are the central incisors, canines and first molars, whereas in the mandible the canines, first premolars and molars are most likely to be present. Prior to cessation of growth, implant placement in the symphyseal region of the anterior mandible may be performed with caution. Despite the limited numbers and with due consideration to jaw development, the results support the continual use of endosseous dental implants in this group of patients for optimal clinical outcomes.     

General and local contraindications for endosseal implants - an epidemiological panoramic radiograph study in 65-year-old subjects

Abstract In order to evaluate general and local contraindications for implantation for 65-yr-old subjects from a medium-sized Finnish city, 431 such persons were examined anamnestically and by means of panoramic radiographs. The population represents 61% of the total age group in the city (born in 1923). It was shown that several degrees of cardiac problems and increased blood pressure followed by pulmonary diseases and diabetes were the most commonly encountered relative contraindications for implantation. Eleven percent of the patients said that they smoked regularly and the bone quality was estimated to be less suitable for implantation in 21% of the cases. Implantation was evaluated according to the Bonefit® system (implant lengths between 6 and 16 mm) in 10 regions in the maxilla and 6 regions in the mandible and was shown to be possible in 38% of the regions in the partially edentulous maxillae and 50% of those in the partially edentulous mandibles, the corresponding figures for the edentulous jaws were 55% in the maxilla and 61% in the mandible.     

Implant complications and failures: the complete overdenture

The implant-retained overdenture has been advocated as an effective method of restoring the edentulous patient with an appliance that offers significant benefits over conventional prosthetics. However, the success and survival of such appliances have been shown to vary considerably, depending on which jaw is treated: implants supporting overdentures in the maxilla have a significantly higher failure rate. The restoration also requires considerable maintenance, which is both time consuming and costly. The purpose of this paper is to look at common restorative complications and maintenance problems following the placement of dental implants to support an overdenture. A number of implant systems have been reviewed and the results of the authors' clinical experiences with referred and their own cases are reported.     

Multicenter retrospective study of ITI implant-supported posterior partial prosthesis in Jordan

Purpose: The aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate success and restorative problems of ITI (ITI Dental Implant System®, Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) implant‐supported posterior partial prostheses in Jordan. Materials and Methods: One‐hundred forty‐one ITI implants were placed in the posterior region of the mandible or the maxilla in 66 patients at multiple clinical practices in Jordan. The age of the patients ranged from 17 to 85 years. The implants were retrospectively analyzed from the first date of placement in September 1999 until May 2006. Eighty‐three implants (58.87%) were placed in the mandible, and 58 (41.13%) in the maxilla. The implants were loaded with either cement‐retained single‐ or multiple‐tooth replacements. Results: Three maxillary implants of two male patients have been lost (2.13% of the total and 5.12% of the maxillary implants). Failed implants were of wide‐neck type with 6‐mm lengths. Moreover, in another two male patients, two single implants at the maxillary premolar region exhibited significant bone loss from the buccal side of the implant surface (2‐mm bone resorption). Those two implants are still functioning and were included in calculating the survival rate but not the success rate. Therefore, the cumulative survival rate for both arches and genders was 97.87% and that for male patients in the maxillary region was 94.88%. The cumulative success rate for both arches and genders was 96.45% and that for the maxillary region was 86.21%. The corresponding rates concerning implants in female patients and the posterior mandible of both genders were 100% for both survival and success rates. Only one crown (mandibular) and another two abutment bridge (maxillary) were decemented in different patients (2.13%). Conclusions: The survival and success rates of implants placed in male patients and in the maxilla were lower than that of implants placed in female patients and in the mandible. Cement‐retained restorations showed minimal complications.     

“All-on-4”种植即刻修复技术的临床应用研究

目的：评价应用＂All-on-4＂种植即刻修复技术对牙列缺失患者进行种植即刻修复的临床效果,探讨其技术要点及临床意义。方法：2008年4月至2009年11月共29例患者（男15例,女14例）接受了＂All-on-4＂种植即刻修复。29例（上无牙颌8例,下无牙颌15例,双颌无牙颌6例）共植入140枚种植体,在种植体植入当天完成即刻修复,一共完成35件＂All-on-4＂即刻义齿。即刻修复后观察种植体边缘骨吸收情况、追踪种植体和即刻修复体的存留率、患者满意率。平均追踪14.8个月（10～29个月）。结果：140枚种植体中,8枚于植入后6～8周脱落。其余132枚种植体至最后一次复查临床稳定,种植体存留率：94.3%。上颌种植体存留率89.3%,下颌种植体存留率97.8%,存在统计学差异（p〈0.05）。即刻修复义齿的存留率94%（33/35）。边缘骨吸收程度为（0.8±0.4）mm。患者满意率100%。结论：＂All-on-4＂种植即刻修复技术应用于无牙颌患者近期效果好,患者满意度高。远期效果需要进一步观察。     

Restoration with implants in patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and patient satisfaction with the implant-supported superstructure

PURPOSE: The use of endosseous implants in the prosthetic restoration of edentulous patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) may provide improved outcomes when compared with traditional prosthetic methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of placing endosseous implants in patients with RDEB and to compare the treatment outcomes of fixed and removable implant-supported restorations in the edentulous maxilla or mandible with the main emphasis on patient response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients with RDEB were treated with implants. All patients were completely edentulous in either the maxilla or mandible and had marked oral involvement, with alterations in the soft and hard tissues in all cases. Three patients were treated with fixed, screw-retained implant-supported prostheses, and 3 were treated with removable implant-supported prostheses. Six months after prosthetic restoration, patients were given a questionnaire to assess their psychologic well-being and satisfaction with the implant-supported restoration marked on a visual analog scale. RESULTS: A total of 38 dental implants (21 maxillary, 17 mandibular) were placed in 6 patients. The implant success rate was 97.9%. The average follow-up from implant placement was 5.5 years (range, 1 to 9). The fixed and removable implant-supported prostheses were associated with improvements in comfort and retention, function, esthetics and appearance, taste, speech, and self-esteem. The level of satisfaction was slightly higher in patients with a fixed prosthesis. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that endosseous implants can be successfully placed and provide support for prostheses in patients with RDEB. Patients with fixed prostheses and overdentures were satisfied with their implant-supported prostheses in the edentulous maxilla and mandible.     

A longitudinal study of quality of life outcomes in older adults requesting implant prostheses and complete removable dentures

A longitudinal clinical trial involving 103 subjects was undertaken to assess the impact of oral implant therapy on the psychosocial well-being of subjects with complete denture wearing problems. There were four experimental groups: (1) an implant group, where subjects were edentulous/edentate in one jaw and requested and received implants to retain an oral prosthesis (IG); (2) subjects edentulous/edentate in one jaw requesting implants but who received conventional dentures (CDG1); (3) edentulous subjects requesting replacement of their dentures by conventional means (CDG2); (4) dentate subjects requiring routine treatment, who were included for comparison. Data were collected in each group pre- and post-treatment using validated oral specific [the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)], and generic (the SF36) health status measures. Subjects in IG, CDG1 and CDG2 also completed a denture satisfaction scale. IG and CDG1 subjects reported that tooth loss and denture wearing problems had a much greater impact on their quality of life than subjects seeking conventional dentures. Dentate subjects had a much better oral health status compared with denture-wearing subjects. Following treatment, subjects who received implant-retained prostheses (IG) reported a significant improvement in satisfaction and health-related quality of life, as did subjects who requested and received conventional dentures (CDG2). Subjects who requested implants, but received conventional dentures (CDG1), reported little improvement in denture satisfaction and only modest improvement in their quality of life. None of the denture-wearing subjects reported health-related quality of life that was as good as that of dentate subjects. The findings have significant implications in the assessment of outcomes in future clinical trials.     

1778例维吾尔族口腔修复病例的统计分析

目的 探寻口腔修复病例的规律性,为牙体缺损的临床治疗、预防及相关教学提供客观数据。方法 1 778例口腔修复病例在性别、部位、缺失类型、修复体情况等方面进行了统计分析。结果 性别及上、下颌分布上无统计学差异,缺失牙部位上颌中切牙占19.5%,修复体以可摘义齿占绝大部分。结论 随着人民生活水平的提高和口腔卫生宣教工作的广泛开展,人们对义齿修复的要求越来越高,因此口腔医生应不断学习新知识,掌握新材料、新技术的应用。     

Tilting of posterior mandibular and maxillary implants for improved prosthesis support

Rehabilitation of atrophied edentulous arches with endosseous implants in the posterior regions is often associated with anatomic problems such as jaw shape and location of the mental loop, mandibular canal, and maxillary sinuses. The purpose of this investigation was to modify the method for implant placement in the posterior part of the jaws to extend fixed implant-connected prostheses further distally, and to reduce the length of cantilevers in complete-arch prostheses without transpositioning the mandibular nerve or performing bone grafting in the maxilla. Forty-seven consecutive patients were treated with implants (25 patients/36 mandibular implants, 22 patients/30 maxillary implants) placed in tilted positions. They were followed a mean of 40 months (mandibles) and 53 months (maxillae). In the mandible, implants close to the mental foramina were tilted posteriorly approximately 25 to 35 degrees. In the maxilla, the posterior implants were placed close to and parallel with the sinus walls and were titled anteriorly/posteriorly approximately 30 to 35 degrees. Patients gained a mean distance of 6.5 mm of prosthesis support in the mandible and 9.3 mm in the maxilla, as a result of implant tilting. There were no implant failures in mandibles. The cumulative success rates in the maxilla at 5 years were 98% for tilted implants and 93% for non-tilted implants. Paresthesias of the mental nerve were observed on 4 sides during the first 2 to 3 weeks after implant placement. Analysis of the load distribution in one mandibular case showed no significant difference between tilted and the non-tilted implants, and the improved prosthesis support was confirmed. Satisfactory medium-term results concerning osseointegration and significant extension of prosthesis support show that the method can be recommended. This technique may allow for longer implants to be placed with improved bone anchorage.