The impact of loads on standard diameter, small diameter and mini implants: a comparative laboratory study.

Objectives: While caution in the use of small-diameter (< or = 3.5 mm) implants has been advocated in view of an increased risk of fatigue fracture under clinical loading conditions, a variety of implant designs with diameters < 3 mm are currently offered in the market for reconstructions including fixed restorations. There is an absence of reported laboratory studies and randomized-controlled clinical trials to demonstrate clinical efficacy for implant designs with small diameters.