Short Implants: A New Dimension in Implant Dentistry

Short dental implants have gained a lot of popularity over the last few decades. Not only have they proven to be successful in in-vitro studies, they have also shown an impressive result in in-vivo studies as well. Short implants are being considered as an alternative to the more extensive and time consuming bone augmentation and sinus lift procedures. Implant length is a climacteric factor in deciding how much of the occlusal forces is being transferred onto the alveolar bone via the abutment and also how effectively this force is dissipated in the surrounding bone. Conventional implant placement in compromised conditions can often warrant the need of complex surgical procedures. Short implants have an advantage over this by reducing the morbidity and cost value. Short implants used in the cases of resorbed ridges have shown to be a better treatment option than conventional implants used in the same cases. This paper briefs about the different aspects of short implant literature, their survival rates, indications, and biomechanical factors affecting the placement of short implant.