Abstract

MENEGAZ, Aryane Marques et al. Effectiveness of space maintainers in pediatric dentistry: a systematic review. RFO UPF [online]. 2015, vol.20, n.2, pp. 252-257. ISSN 1413-4012.

Objective: To assess the current predictability of short and extra-short implants that are not splinted in the posterior mandible, and to discuss issues related to their classifications. Literature review: The rehabilitation of atrophic posterior areas presents major complexity for the planning and treatment with osseointegrated implants. Surgeries for height augmentation of alveolar ridge defects present no conclusive predictability by the literature; hence, implants with reduced length have been the target of several studies. The use of short implants decreases morbidity, surgical and treatment time, surgical complications, and the use of medication, in comparison to prior bone graft rehabilitations. Final considerations: According to the literature reviewed, the standardization of studies (human clinical trials) is required, aiming to establish success/survival rates fitting the particularities of short implants to provide definitions based on the predictability of these implants. Clinical trials with proper study design, providing higher results reliability, are essential for the clinical foundation of the dentist and for reducing bias.

Keywords : Dental implants.; Alveolar bone loss.; Survival rate..