The purpose of this study was to assess the long term survival rates of the most posterior single tooth implant and to evaluate the influence of implant characteristics on implant survival.

This retrospective report presents findings on 37 patients with 43 implants replacing single molars. The inclusion criteria were having implants replacing a molar of the most posterior region and follow-up data over at least 6 months. Data were recorded regarding the incidence of complications and survival rates of these implants.

The range of follow-up was from 9 to 66 months(mean: 40.2 months). The cumulative survival rate of total implants was 93.0% which reflects the loss of three implants: one had broken neck, one implant failed because of infection, one implant showed failed osseointegration. Abutment- screws loosening occurred in five implants(11.6%).

Within the limits of this study, a single tooth-implant can serve as a good long-term and predictable treatment modality to replace the most posterior teeth with low complication and failure rates.