Externally connected simple taper retention implants in narrow anterior alveolar ridges: 5–7-year follow-up cohort study

To investigate the clinical efficacy of the simple taper retention implant with external connection JUST J1 MINI (J1 implant) in narrow anterior alveolar ridges (4.5–5.5 mm) for a follow-up period of 5–7 years. This is a prospective cohort study, which included a total of 96 J1 implants in the narrow anterior alveolar ridges without bone augmentation. Patients were followed up for 5–7 years post-superstructure restoration, with analysis of peri-implant tissues’ health and comparison of bone level changes. During the 5-7-year follow-up period, four implants failed, resulting in a final survival rate of 95.8%. Bone levels were measured at three-time points: implant placement (T0), final restoration (T1), and final follow-up (T2). The lingual bone level at the implant apex (L0) showed statistically significant differences among T0, T1, and T2 (P < 0.05). None of the measured sites in the maxillary implants exhibited statistically significant differences (P > 0.05), whereas the L0 site in the mandible showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Regarding immediate and delayed implantation, no statistically significant differences were observed (P > 0.05). At the end of the follow-up, peri-implant soft tissues remained healthy, without showing any signs of mechanical failures or biological complications. The simple taper retention implant with external connection J1 in the narrow anterior alveolar ridges can achieve functional and aesthetic outcomes, ensuring long-term stability of the peri-implant soft and hard tissues without bone augmentation.