Stability of 6-mm Implants Placed Crestally and Supracrestally by Surgeons of Varying Experience In Vitro.

The article investigates the impact of surgical experience on the primary stability (IS) of 6-mm short dental implants placed in vitro by clinicians with varying expertise levels. Using 480 BioHorizons tapered implants placed in simulated dense (type 1) and soft (type 4) bone at crestal and supracrestal depths, the study found that more experienced clinicians—specifically a master clinician and a third-year resident—achieved significantly higher implant stability quotient (ISQ) values compared to an inexperienced first-year resident, particularly in softer bone and with larger diameter implants. Implant placement depth also influenced stability, with crestal placements showing greater IS than supracrestal placements across all clinicians. These findings highlight the importance of clinical experience, bone quality, implant diameter, and placement depth in achieving primary stability of short implants, though the authors note that in vivo studies are needed to confirm these results and assess long-term outcomes.