State of the art of success of short implants: a wide review

Introduction: Since the beginning of modern implantology, after the confirmation and publication of the phenomenon known as osseointegration by Brånemark, dental implants have been used to repair total and partial toothless jaws. Dental implants have become a treatment of choice for many patients and professionals who wish to provide a better option compared to traditional removable or fixed prostheses. Short implants arrived at that could meet the needs of these patients left out of the then conventional implant treatments. Short implants compared to long implants require less remaining bone, reducing the patient's exposure to surgery for bone grafting, the elevation of the maxillary sinus mucosa and repositioning of the lower alveolar nerve, constituting a great advantage. Objective: To review the literature to compose the state of the art on short implants installed in both dental arches, evaluating their advantages, disadvantages, indications, and contraindications. Methods: Experimental and clinical studies were included (case reports, retrospective, prospective and randomized studies) with qualitative and/or quantitative analysis. 109 articles were found involving short implants. Initially, the existing title was excluded and duplicated according to the interest described in this work. After this process, the abstracts were evaluated and a new exclusion was performed. A total of 53 articles were evaluated in full and 64 were included and discussed in this study. Results and final considerations: Short implants are a reliable, safe, and practical alternative to be used in situations with reduced bone height, but good thickness in well-selected cases. They do not present bone loss or resorption over the years, nor are they at risk of fracture or any damage to patients. They are safe to use, as long as they have an adequate design, correct technique, and meticulous planning. They are fundamental tools nowadays that can be a good solution for specialists who want to provide the best to their patients.