Tiny implants, big smile: short teeth screws could replace bone grafts

NCT ID NCT02877433

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether very short (4 mm) dental implants can securely hold a full set of fixed false teeth in the lower jaw. Fifty-three adults with no teeth in the lower jaw received either two or four short implants at the back, plus standard-length implants at the front. The goal was to see how well the implants stayed in place over time, offering a simpler option for people with thin jawbone.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Roxolid short dental implant (4 mm length)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could offer a less invasive option for people with jawbone loss to get stable, fixed dentures without needing bone grafts.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study with only 53 participants. Short implants may not be as durable as standard-length implants, and individual results may vary.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for JAW EDENTULOUS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Jaw, Edentulous

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Queens University Belfast, School of Medecine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences

    Belfast, BT9 7BL, United Kingdom

  • University of Bern, Department of Reconstructive Dentistry and Gerodontology

    Bern, 3010, Switzerland