Orthodontic load on short maxillary implants with reduced sink depth: an experimental study.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate experimentally the positional stability and histomorphometric findings of length-reduced temporary anchorage devices (Orthosystem, length: 4 mm) with reduced sink depth. Material and methods For this purpose, four maxillary pre-molars ((2)P(2), (3)P(3)) were extracted from each of four foxhounds. After a 16-week alveolar healing period, 16 implants (four per dog) were inserted into the edentulous areas. Four implants (one per dog) were placed simultaneously in the mid-palatal area. The implants were intentionally submerged to about three-quarters of their length. After a 10-week unloaded implant healing period, the implants in the P3 areas …