SupplementPoster 805, Language: EnglishAktas, Nazli ZeynepIntroduction: Edentulous sites in the posterior maxilla are often compromised by reduced bone volume, prohibiting the placement of 10-mm implants without sinus augmentation. The use of shorter implants minimizes the need for more extensive sinus floor elevation, thus reducing treatment duration and morbidity. This simplified treatment modality can make implant rehabilitation of the atrophic posterior maxilla more accessible and more acceptable to even the most unwilling patients and referring doctors. In this case a 46-year-old patient was referred to the Department of Prosthodontics, University of Marmara with edentulism in the posterior maxilla. The implant site was evaluated with CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography). After the consultation it was decided to place implants and fabricate a fixed partial prosthesis. The bone volume at the left side was not found to be sufficient because of pneumatization of the maxillary sinus. It was decided not to perform a sinus lifting operation and to place short implants instead. So the long implants in combination with short implants (Conelog® screw-line implants, Biotechnologies, Basel, Switzerland) were placed. Total and lower vertical facial height was determined with cephalometric analysis and Niswonger two-point method. Temporary restorations were fabricated in this appropriate vertical dimension and used for eight weeks. Permanent metal-ceramic crowns were fabricated with using CONELOG® Esthomic® abutments.
Conclusion: The use of short implants, 7mm in length, in combination with minimally invasive sinus floor elevation, where necessary, provides clinicians with more conservative treatment options, and helps minimize treatment duration, costs and trauma. These benefits, along with the safe and predictable use of short implants, should make implant therapy accessible to a greater number of patients and practitioners.
Keywords: short implants, vertical dimension, occlusion
