Replacement of a Molar with Two Narrow Diameter Dental Implants

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to present results of single molar area rehabilitated by two narrow diameter dental implants. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 33 consecutive patients from two private practices between the years 2008 and 2009 had been evaluated. Patients who had a first molar single replaced by two narrow diameter implants (3mm wide) were included in this case series. Patients' demographics, site and implant characteristics as well as 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 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 eight maxillary molars. In two 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 month (average 12.2±1.9). All implants survived the follow-up time. One implant presented with 1 mm of bone loss at 12 months follow-up. Conclusion: Replacing a single missing molar with two narrow diameter dental implants might serve as a viable treatment option providing good and predictable results.