Short implants: A new dimension in rehabilitation of atrophic maxilla and mandible

Abstract

Insufficient alveolar bone height is a common clinical situation encountered more in the posterior jaws. Advanced surgical procedures such as bone grafting, sinus lifting, and nerve repositioning are required to overcome this condition and make implant treatment possible for such patients. Prolonged healing period, increased morbidity, and longer duration of the implant treatment accompanies these procedures. Short implants are considered as a viable alternative in patients with reduced alveolar bone height to avoid more invasive surgical procedures. They simplify the implant treatment, reduce patient morbidity, shorten the duration of treatment, and make it less expensive. In the past, when machined implants were used, rehabilitation with short implants showed increased failure rate in comparison to longer implants. With the improvements in the surface topography of implants, which increase the bone implant contact, and use of adapted surgical protocols similar survival rates as that of regular implants have been reported even with short implants. Various methods to increase the functional surface area and decrease the stress on the prosthesis have greatly contributed to the increased success rate of short implants. Clinical Relevance to Interdisciplinary Dentistry Successful outcome of implant treatment depends on the coordinated efforts of various specialties Proper technique of implant placement by the surgeon and prior planning of the prosthesis by the prosthodontist is essential Maintenance and periodic evaluation of periodontal health are necessary.