What is the Proper Length of an Implant?

Leslie asks:

I had #13 extracted almost 3 months ago. I want to get an implant for that tooth. The original tooth root was 7 mm long; the tooth above the gumline was 6 mm long.
The surgeon tells me that the implant post has to be at least 11 mm long - he says it will come within 1 mm of the sinus. In the past, I have had sinus problems.

Does the post HAVE to be this long? Almost twice as long as the original root? Isn't there a risk of damaging the sinus?

Answered by: Dr. Jeffrey Brook

Massapequa, NY

Dear Leslie:

This is an interesting question that has a degree of controversy within the profession. My answer would be, no. It would be fine to place an implant less than 11 mm in that area.

Implant dentistry and implant technology has evolved since root form implants were introduce into the United States in the 1980's. There are now many implant companies that have F.D.A. approved implants that are between 5 mm and 10 mm in length that have long-term data supporting their successful placement, restoration, and survival in situations such as you describe. Personally, I have used shorter implants for many years and they have been very successful.

Lastly, an implant placed 1 mm from your sinus should pose no danger to your sinus. In addition, any slight intrusion by an implant into the sinus will typically heal rapidly and pose no danger to your long-term sinus health.

I hope this has been of help and good luck with
replacing missing tooth # 13.

Dr. Brook