Small‐Diameter Implants: Indications and Contraindications

The choice of implant diameter depends on the type of edentulousness, the volume of the residual bone, the amount of space available for the prosthetic reconstruction, the emergence profile, and the type of occlusion. Small-diameter implants are indicated in specific clinical situations, for example, where there is reduced interradicular bone or a thin alveolar crest, and for the replacement of teeth with small cervical diameter. Before using a small-diameter implant, the biomechanical risk factors must be carefully analyzed. Preliminary reports of this type of implant show good short- and medium-term results. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Specific clinical situations indicate the use of small-diameter implants: a reduced amount of bone (thin alveolar crest) and where the replacement tooth requires a small cervical diameter. In some cases, the use of small-diameter implants avoids bone reconstruction.