Randomized controlled multicenter study comparing short dental implants (6 mm) versus longer dental implants (11–15 mm) in combination with sinus floor elevation procedures. Part 2: clinical and radiographic outcomes at 1 year of loading

Abstract Aim To compare, clinically and radiographically, short dental implants (6 mm) to long implants (11–15 mm) placed with sinus grafting. Methods Participants with 5–7 mm of bone height in the posterior maxilla were randomly allocated to receive short implants ( GS ) or long implants with sinus grafting ( GG ). Implants were loaded with single crowns 6 months after placement ( PR ). Patients were re‐evaluated 12 months after loading ( FU ‐1). Outcome variables included: Implant survival rate ( CSR ), marginal bone level alteration ( MBL ), periodontal probing depth ( PPD ), bleeding on probing (BoP), plaque control record ( PCR ) and crown‐to‐implant ratios (C/I). Statistical analysis was performed using parametric tests. Results In 97 subjects, 132 implants were re‐evaluated at FU ‐1. The CSR was 100%. The MBL from implant placement ( IP ) to ( PR ) was −0.22 ± 0.4 mm for GG and −0.3 ± 0.45 mm for GS ( p < 0.001). MBL from IP to FU ‐1 was −0.37 ± 0.59 mm for GG and −0.22 ± 0.3 mm for GS ( p < 0.001). Intergroup comparisons showed non‐significant differences for MBL ( p > 0.05), PPD ( p = 1) and PCR ( p = 0.09). BoP was higher in the GS ( p = 0.04). The C/I was 0.99 ± 0.17 for GG and 1.86 ± 0.23 for GS ( p < 0.001). No correlation was observed between C/I and MBL , ( GG : p = 0.13; GS : p = 0.38). Conclusions Both treatment modalities provided similar outcomes.