A 4‐mm‐Short Implant Rehabilitation in the Posterior Maxilla With Dynamic Navigation Technology: A Case Report After 10 Years of Postloading Follow‐Up

Abstract

Implant rehabilitation in the posterior maxilla with severe vertical bone atrophy remains clinically challenging, particularly when bone augmentation procedures are not feasible or are refused by the patient. The use of ultrashort implants combined with dynamic navigation has been proposed as a minimally invasive alternative in selected cases; however, long‐term clinical evidence in the maxilla is still limited. This case report describes the 10‐year clinical and radiographic outcomes of a single 4‐mm ultrashort implant placed in the posterior maxilla using dynamic navigation technology. A 47‐year‐old nonsmoking female patient presented with a single edentulous maxillary first molar and severe vertical bone resorption (≤ 5 mm). The patient declined bone augmentation and fixed partial denture therapy. Implant placement was planned and performed under dynamic navigation guidance, followed by restoration with a single implant‐supported crown. Clinical and radiographic follow‐up was conducted regularly up to 10 years after prosthetic loading. Throughout the follow‐up period, no biological or prosthetic complications were observed. Peri‐implant soft tissues remained healthy, with no bleeding on probing or suppuration. Radiographic evaluation using standardized periapical radiographs revealed a mean marginal bone loss of 0.35 mm at 10 years. The implant‐supported crown maintained stable function and structural integrity, and the patient reported high satisfaction with the treatment outcome. Within the limitations of a single case report, these findings suggest that the combination of dynamic navigation and ultrashort implants may represent a reliable and minimally invasive treatment option for single implant rehabilitation in severely atrophic posterior maxillary sites. Further prospective studies with larger sample sizes and long‐term follow‐up are required to confirm the predictability and reproducibility of this approach.