Replacement of a molar with two narrow-diameter dental implants

• Main Authors: Rajeshwari Penmetsa, Katragadda Raja Venkatesh Murthy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2016-01-01
• Series: Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
• Subjects: Edentulous molar space; narrow atrophied ridge; narrow-diameter implants
• Online Access: http://www.jisponline.com/article.asp?issn=0972-124X;year=2016;volume=20;issue=6;spage=651;epage=654;aulast=Penmetsa

Dental implants have demonstrated a high degree of success in the restorations of teeth in partially or completely edentulous patients. However, when the buccolingual width of the edentulous crest is insufficient for the placement of standard sized implants, the use of two or more smaller diameter implants should be considered to avoid the need for invasive reconstruction techniques such as grafting procedures. The present case report describes the replacement of a single mandibular first molar with two narrow-diameter implants, in a 41-year- old male patient. No postoperative complications were reported in the 3-year follow-up period. The placement of two narrow-diameter implants replacing a missing mandibular molar could eliminate the mesiodistal bending, double the support capacity in the buccolingual direction, and minimize stress on the implants.