Replacement of a molar with 2 narrow diameter dental implants.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to present results of single molar area rehabilitated by 2 narrow diameter dental implants. METHODS A retrospective cohort of 33 consecutive patients from 2 private practices between the years 2008 and 2009 had been evaluated. Patients who had a first molar single replaced by 2 narrow diameter implants (3 mm wide) were included in this case series. Patients' demographics, site and implant characteristics, and time of follow-up were recorded from the medical files. RESULTS Overall, 33 patients received 66 implants replacing 33 missing first molars. Patients' age ranged from 23 to 76 years with an average of 49.2 ± 12.7 years. Most of the implants were used to replace a mandibular molar (76%) and 16 were used to replace 8 maxillary molars. In 2 patients, immediate implantation was performed. The mean distance between the adjacent teeth was 12.1 ± 1.0 mm. Follow-up time ranged from 10 to 18 months (average, 12.2 ± 1.9 months). All implants survived the follow-up time. One implant presented with 1 mm of bone loss at 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION Replacing a single missing molar with 2 narrow diameter dental implants might serve as a viable treatment option providing good and predictable long-term results.