Evaluation of short and ultra-short dental implants in challenging clinical situations of resorbed ridges: A narrative review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Dental implant treatment has gained widespread acceptance as a reliable method for replacing lost teeth. Nevertheless, the favorable outcome of implant therapy hinges on having adequate bone quality and quantity. Individuals with restricted bone height or density pose a unique challenge for implant placement. Short and ultra-short dental implants offer an alternative solution for such patients, as they necessitate less vertical bone height and can mitigate the necessity for supplementary bone augmentation procedures. Aim: This narrative review was conducted to understand the different types of short and ultra-short implants, their indications and contraindications, and their prosthetic considerations, summarizing the current literature on the clinical outcomes, success rates, and potential complications. Methods: Research publications were searched on search engines such as EBSCO, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases, and the articles published from January 1988 to December 2022 with terms such as “short implants, ultra-short implants, atrophic ridge, and alveolar ridge augmentation” were collected. Results: A total of 10 articles were collected, and they were further used to formulate this review. Despite their constraints, short and ultra-short implants have demonstrated comparable clinical results to conventional implants in specific scenarios and provide several advantages, such as reduced surgical time, lower costs, and decreased risk of anatomical complications. Discussion: Short and ultra-short dental implants are used when regular ones are not feasible. They increase stability by enhancing bone contact. They work well for various dental prostheses, especially for those who cannot use removable options. While not recommended for everyone, they can be successful in many cases. Factors such as implant shape, surgical technique, and prosthetic considerations play a key role in their success. Studies show high survival rates for short implants, making them a reliable choice for specific situations. They offer a less invasive and cost-effective alternative in challenging cases. Conclusion: As technology and designs continue to advance, the adoption of short and ultra-short implants is expected to see a rise in implant dentistry. It is imperative to exercise careful patient selection, comprehensive treatment planning, and precise execution of both surgical and prosthetic techniques for the successful implementation of implant therapy with short and ultra-short implants.