Clinical evaluation of small-diameter implants in single-tooth and multiple-implant restorations: a 7-year retrospective study

PURPOSE: Placement of small-diameter implants often provides a solution to space-related problems in implant restoration. This 7-year retrospective study presents results from 192 small-diameter implants placed in 165 patients from 1992 to 1996. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dental records of each patient were reviewed. The implants, which were either 2.9 mm or 3.25 mm in diameter, were placed by 2 different surgeons. All prosthetic appliances were fabricated by the same prosthodontist. Ninety-four implants supported single-tooth cemented restorations; the remaining 98 implants supported cemented or screw-retained partial prostheses. RESULTS: The total implant survival rate was 95.3%. Four implants were lost at second-stage surgery, and 5 more were lost after loading. DISCUSSION: Small-diameter implants demonstrated a survival rate similar to those reported in previous studies of standard-size implants. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that small-diameter implants can be successfully included in implant treatment. They may be preferable in cases where space is limited.