FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2012
Contact: Dick Bragaw
(847) 997-3876
Contact: Kevin Smith
(847) 439-1919
Use of Short Dental Implants Can Avoid Surgeries, Save Time, Reduce Costs, Eliminate Complications, Swiss Researcher Reports at AO Annual Meeting
PHOENIX, AZ, March 2 -- Use of short dental implants in some patients could possibly avoid major surgeries, save time, reduce costs, and eliminate possible complications associated with grafting procedures, a Swiss researcher reported at the 27th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Osseointegration (AO).
"In cases with a reduced ridge height in the posterior maxilla, sinus grafting in combination with implant placement is the treatment of choice," explained Dr. Daniel S. Thoma, Zurich, Switzerland, as he reported the results of a randomized, controlled, multicenter study comparing short implants (6mm) to standard length implants (11-15mm) with sinus grafting. "Sinus grafting is associated with an increased risk for implant failures and patient morbidity," he added.
All 100 patients in the studyhad their implants placed and entered the follow-up phase with loading at 1 year. No implants were lost, resulting in a 100% implant survival rate in both treatment groups.
"Based on these preliminary findings, both treatment modalities were safe and predictable. This was demonstrated by a 100% implant survival rate, the absence of biological complications and only one minor technical complication," Dr. Thoma reported.
He further commented on the significance and implications of the research findings. "Provided that short implants perform similar to longer implants with major augmentative surgeries on the long-run, in the future, treatment concepts will likely change towards less and shorter implants resulting in a variety of benefits for clinicians and patients."
Complete program information is available through the Academy's website, www.osseo.org.
With more than 6,000 members in 70 countries around the world, the Academy of Osseointegration is the world's leading dental implant organization. Its goal is to advance the field of osseointegrated implants by fostering collaboration between representatives of different dental disciplines - oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics and general practice - through clinical and evidence-based research and education.
Founded in 1985, it provides a focus for the rapidly advancing biotechnology involving the natural bond between bone and certain alloplastic reconstructive materials. In dentistry, the primary application is replacing missing teeth by affixing a titanium implant into the jawbone, then securing an artificial tooth into the implant that will look, feel and function like a natural tooth.
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