Purpose:We describe a successful implant-prosthetic rehabilitation of an atrophic posterior mandible with 4mm long
implants.
Methods and materials: The patient refused to undergo any
reconstructive surgery and, because the available bone up to
the inferior alveolar nerve was only 4.5 and 5mm, the patient
received 4 implants of 4mm length.
Results: Four months after implant position, a temporary
prosthesis was put in place which was then in turn replaced
by a permanent prosthesis after another four months. The
follow-up time is at two years after implants loading.
Conclusion: The use of such short implants allows a
fixed prosthetic solution without the need for vertically augmenting the mandibular bone. This procedure considerably
reduces intra and postoperative patient discomfort compared
to reconstructive surgery for the placing of longer implants.
