Evaluation of Stability in Short Implants Compared to Standard Implants using Periotest ®: A Pilot Study

Among different non-invasive approaches for determining the stability of the implant within the bone is to use a dynamic device called Periotest®.It is designed to provide objective measurement of tooth mobility. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the stress transfer and stability in short and standard dental implants using Periotest® device.

This study evaluated 15 short and 15 standard implants for non-systemically compromised patients who were candidates for dental implant. After the implant insertion, the Periotest Value (PTV) index was measured by the Periotest® device in two periods, three month after implant installation when the healing abutment was placed and six months after permanent restoration. The stability was measured by Periotest®, and the obtained numbers were analyzed by the Wilcoxon test.

The mean values of PTVs in the group of short implants were as much as -1.13±0.91 and -1.46±0.91 before and after loading, respectively. Moreover, the mean values of PTVs in the standard implant group were as much as -1.6±1.12 and -1.8±0.67 before and after loading, respectively. The difference between short implants before and after loading was not significant. Furthermore, the PTVs in standard implants showed no significant difference before and after loading. Also there was no significant difference between short and standard implants at both times before and after loading.

There is no significant difference between short and standard implants in terms of stability; therefore, they can be a good alternative to standard implants in atrophic jaws.