From the Guidelines
Classic articles in prosthodontics and implantology have significantly shaped the field, with a focus on osseointegration, implant spacing, and prosthetic design parameters. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2023 in the journal Periodontology 2000 1, highlights the importance of considering alternative treatment options for the rehabilitation of the posterior edentulous maxilla, including maxillary sinus floor augmentation, short dental implants, tilted implants, and distal cantilever extensions.
Key Considerations
- The height of the subantral bony ridge is a crucial factor in determining the need for maxillary sinus floor augmentation and implant placement 1.
- Short dental implants can be a viable alternative to maxillary sinus floor augmentation, with comparable survival rates and lower morbidity 1.
- Tilted implants can also be used to avoid bone augmentation procedures and reduce the need for extensive bone reconstruction 1.
- Distal cantilevers can be used to restore the posterior edentulous maxilla, but require careful consideration of the biomechanical and prosthetic factors involved 1.
Treatment Options
- For remaining bone height > 9 mm, standard implant or short implant placement is recommended 1.
- For remaining bone height of > 5 to ≤ 9 mm, transalveolar maxillary sinus floor augmentation and simultaneous standard implant placement or short implant placement with no bone augmentation is recommended 1.
- For remaining bone height of > 3 to < 5 mm, tilted implants or lateral window maxillary sinus floor augmentation with simultaneous implant placement may be considered 1.
Conclusion is not allowed, so the answer will continue without one.
The use of short dental implants, tilted implants, and distal cantilevers can provide a more conservative and less invasive approach to rehabilitating the posterior edentulous maxilla, with the potential for reduced morbidity and improved patient outcomes 1. However, careful consideration of the individual patient's anatomy, bone density, and prosthetic requirements is necessary to determine the most suitable treatment option.
From the Research
Classic Articles in Prosthodontics and Implantology
- The field of prosthodontics and implantology has seen significant advancements in recent years, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and quality of life 2.
- Dental implants have become a popular treatment option for edentulous patients, providing functional and aesthetic benefits 3.
- Osseointegration, the direct anchorage of a metal implant into bone, has been a key area of research in implantology, with applications in both dentistry and orthopedics 4.
Key Concepts and Techniques
- Basic implant concepts, such as biological and functional considerations, biomechanical considerations, and preoperative assessments, are crucial for predictable results in dental implantology 3.
- Prosthodontic principles, including patient-reported outcome measures and oral health-related quality of life assessment, play a significant role in implantology 2, 5, 6.
- The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) is a widely used tool for assessing oral health-related quality of life, with studies showing its effectiveness in measuring treatment outcomes 5, 6.
Treatment Outcomes and Quality of Life
- Prosthodontic rehabilitation has been shown to improve overall quality of life for edentulous patients, with significant reductions in oral health-related quality of life impairment 6.
- The effects of prosthodontic interventions on patients' perception of their oral health can last for at least 2 years, highlighting the importance of long-term follow-up and assessment 6.
- The coronavirus disease-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the field of prosthodontics and implantology, with a decrease in the number of dental implants placed annually 2.