Long-term outcomes from implants installed by using split-crest technique in posterior maxillae: 10 years of follow-up

ObjectiveThe aim of the present 10-year retrospective study was to evaluate the success and survival rates of narrow diameter implants (NDIs) placed in combination with a split-crest technique. Materials and methodsTwenty-one healthy individuals who received prosthetic rehabilitation supported by narrow diameter implants (NDIs) installed in atrophic maxillary posterior areas immediately after split-crest procedure were included in the study. Six to eight weeks after implant placement, the prosthetic rehabilitations were delivered. Periapical radiographs were taken at the 6-month and 10-year time interval after implant loading to assess bone marginal level around the implants. In addition, survival and success indexes were also obtained at these time intervals. ResultsForty NDIs were placed in 21 patients. At the end of the 10-year follow-up period, seven patients had dropped out, two implants were lost, and nine prostheses presented some type of deficiency (ceramic fracture or retaining screw fracture). At the 10-year time interval, the implant survival rate was 97% and the success rate was 95%. The marginal bone loss at the 6-month and 10-year time intervals was, respectively, 0.47 (SD 0.91) mm and 1.93 (SD 0.93) mm. ConclusionNarrow diameter implants installed immediately after split-crest procedure may successfully support prosthetic rehabilitations after long-time intervals.