Short implants as an alternative to reconstructive surgeries: biomechanical implications and clinical outcomes

Abstract

ABSTRACT Short implants represent a viable approach for the rehabilitation of areas with severe bone resorption, particularly in the posterior regions of the mandible and maxilla, as a minimally invasive alternative. The objective of this review was to analyze the available evidence on the use of short implants compared to long implants placed after bone reconstruction procedures, discussing their indications, advantages, and limitations. Searches were conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and Lilacs databases using descriptors related to short implants and atrophic ridges, resulting in the selection of 55 articles. Evidence indicates that short implants exhibit survival rates comparable to conventional implants, with a lower incidence of surgical complications, reduced marginal bone loss, decreased postoperative morbidity, shorter surgical time, and lower costs. Despite potential biomechanical limitations associated with the reduced bone-implant contact area and increased crown-to-implant ratio, advances in implant design, microtopography, and surgical protocols have promoted osseointegration and improved load distribution, ensuring predictable clinical outcomes. Thus, short implants are established as a safe and effective strategy for the rehabilitation of atrophic ridges, provided they are applied following individualized planning that considers the patient’s anatomical, prosthetic, and systemic factors.