Innovative Wing-Type Narrow Implant: Biomechanical Insights and Clinical Outcomes in Single Posterior Molar

ABSTRACT Use of narrow-diameter implants for single posterior molar crowns is restricted by concerns about mechanical reliability, despite their suitability for narrow ridges. To address this, we developed a wing-type narrow-diameter implant incorporating a thin cervical flange to improve biomechanical stability without increasing the implant body diameter. A three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis compared stress distribution and displacement between wing-type (3.5 mm body, 0.1–0.5 mm wings) and conventional narrow-diameter implants under various loading conditions. Additionally, eight clinical cases in seven patients with single molar restorations were analyzed over a mean 3-year follow-up, assessing implant survival, marginal bone stability, and complications. The Finite Element Analysis demonstrated that even minimal wings (0.1 mm) reduced implant settlement, while wings of 0.3–0.5 mm optimally balanced cortical and cancellous bone stress; wings ≥0.5 mm led to stress concentration in cortical bone. Clinically, all eight implants (3.5 mm diameter, ~0.35 mm wing) achieved stable osseointegration and maintained marginal bone levels with no mechanical or biological complications. All implants survived despite large mesial crown cantilevers (>40% of crown length) under high occlusal load. The wing-type design improved biomechanical performance and showed stable mid-term clinical outcomes. A 0.3–0.5 mm cervical flange is optimal, providing a minimally invasive alternative for restoring single molars in narrow ridges without bone augmentation.