Extension implants in the atrophic posterior maxilla: 1-year results of a retrospective case-series

Background/purpose: Blade implants account for one of the most debated dental implants design in scientific literature. They have been reconsidered by clinicians since their re-classification by Food and Drug Administration in 2014. Materials and methods: The present study aimed to evaluate the outcome of newly manufactured extension implants in the treatment of moderate atrophic posterior maxillae. All the patients enrolled in the present retrospective case series study showed a moderate bone atrophy in the posterior maxilla with a maximum residual height ranging between 4 mm and 8 mm. Implants were inserted with the aid of an electro-magnetic device, and then they covered with screws and left healing. Three months after, implants were exposed and loaded. Results: Difference between the marginal bone level at the 3-month evaluation (5.57 ± 0.67 mm) and that at baseline (5.67 ± 0.55 mm) appeared to be not significant (p-value = 0.63). At the 12-month evaluation, the marginal bone level (4.95 ± 0.45 mm) underwent significant decrease respect to baseline value as proven by significant change at marginal bone level (−0.62 ± 0.51 mm with a p-value = 0.01). Conclusion: The results of the present study suggested a positive 12-month outcome for extension implants in the rehabilitation of the moderate atrophic maxilla, without the need of extensive reconstructive surgeries and grafting procedures.