Rehabilitation of edentulous posterior maxilla using lateral disc implants avoiding ridge augmentation in cases with inadequate bone height: A clinical evaluation

Context: Implant-retained prosthodontic rehabilitation of the posterior maxilla is challenging owing to the compromised characteristics of the residual alveolar bone which might require several adjunctive surgical procedures to augment the available alveolar bone. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the outcome of rehabilitated maxillary posterior edentulous space with lateral disc implants in subjects with inadequate bone height. Subject and Methods: Forty patients with edentulous span in posterior maxilla with inadequate volume of bone were rehabilitated with lateral disc implant-retained prosthesis. Follow-up was undertaken at the end of 06, 12, 24, and 36 months by allocating the implants into the groups assessed according to the Misch Implant quality scale. A total of 6 Single disc, 22 Double disc, and 12 triple disc implants were placed. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics. Results: At the end of 06 months, 96.6% were in Group 1, 3.3% were assessed to be in Group 2. At 12 months, 95% were in Group 1, 1.6% in Group 2, and 3.3% in Group 3. At 24 months, 95% were in Group 1, 3.3% were in Group 2, and 1.6% were in Group 3. At 36 months, 96.6% were assessed in Group 1 while 1.6% each was in Group 2 and 4. Conclusions: A clinical success of 98.4% has been established and is concluded that Lateral disc implants provide a viable alternative to the contemporary management protocol involving a sinus lift.