Expert: Tony Appleton BDS DPDS - 3/3/2007

Question
Is a 9 mm long implant too small for a lower molar area?
I had different consultations ranging from 9 mm to 13 mm. Why such a difference in choice of implant size?

Answer
Hi Carla

In planning the size of implant to use, an important consideration is the position of adjacent anatomical structures. In the case of the lower molar/premolar area the position of the inferior dental canal is really really important. This canal carries the inferior dental nerve which supplies your lower teeth and lip on that side. To a certain degree it is the amount of bone above this canal that determines how long an implant can be used.

Studies have shown that it is implant diameter rather than length that is the important factor in survival. This is because most of the stresses on the implant occur within the top few mm - so, the larger the diameter the more the load is distributed.

To a certain extent the size of implant used is a judgement call by the dentist, so really you should be looking for the dentist with the most experience in the use of implants, and the best success rate. How you assess success rate is a difficult one. You can go on personal recommendation, but also I feel you must be able to develop a good rapport with the dentist - you know, a feeling that you can really trust them. So talk to them - ask them why they have decided on an xmm long implant as being the most suitable. What is their personal experience and success rate in cases similar to yours etc. etc.

I hope this is of some help to you.

Regards

Tony Appleton