clinical evaluation of small diameter straumann implants in partially edentulous patients: a 5-year retrospective study

objective: the aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate small-diameter (3.3 mm) straumann® dental implants placed in the maxilla or the mandible over a period of 5 years in function. materials and methods: twenty- eight partially edentulous patients received a total of 48 implants over a 5-year period. after the standard healing period (3 to 6 months), the implants were restored with single-tooth prostheses or fixed partial dentures. all patients were followed according to a strict maintenance program with regular recalls. the cumulative survival rates of implants were analyzed and prosthetic complications were assessed. results: after 5 years of function, one single 10-mm-long implant in the maxillary premolar region was lost because of recurrent peri-implant infection in a female patient. two single 10-mm-long maxillary implants placed in the posterior region were lost due to body fracture. the cumulative 5-year survival rate of the implants was 93.75 %. the most common prosthetic complication was loosening of the occlusal screw. conclusion: within the limited observation period and the number of patients included in this study, it may be concluded that the use of small-diameter implants appears to be predictable if clinical guidelines are followed and appropriate prosthetic restorations are provided. however, it should be noted that fatigue fracture may occur.