Minimally invasive fixed rehabilitation of an extremely atrophic posterior mandible using 4-mm ultrashort implants: A case report with a 7-year follow-up

This case report describes the rehabilitation of an extremely atrophic posterior mandible using 4-mm ultrashort implants and reports clinical and radiographic outcomes 7 years after loading. The patient refused to undergo any other treatment, from the removable prosthesis to the reconstructive surgery, and asked for a fixed, minimally invasive solution in the shortest possible time. The residual bone height above the alveolar nerve was an average of about 5 mm, so it was decided to treat the patient with four 4-mm ultrashort implants. Within the limitations of this case report, this procedure appears successful at 7 years after loading in this specific case and could reduce invasiveness, rehabilitative times, and costs. However, longer follow-ups on a large number of patients coming from randomized controlled clinical trials are necessary before making more reliable recommendations.