Predictability of short implants (< 10 mm) as a treatment option for the rehabilitation of atrophic maxillae. A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Short implants (< 10 mm) are one of the treatment options available in cases of limited vertical bone. Although such implants are now widely used, there is controversy regarding their clinical reliability. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the predictability of short implants as an alternative to technically more complex treatments in patients with atrophic maxillae, based on a systematic review of the literature and the analysis of the implant survival rates, changes in peri-implant bone level, and associated complications. It is postulated that short implants offer clinical results similar to those of longer implants. Material and Methods: A Medline-PubMed search was made covering the period between January 2004 and December 2014 (both included). Studies in English published in indexed journals, involving at least 20 implants and with a follow-up period of at least 12 months were considered. A manual search in four high impact journals was also conducted. Results: A total of 37 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in this review. 9792 implants placed in over 5000 patients were analyzed. Conclusions: Based on the results of this review, short implants are seen to offer clinical results in terms of survival, bone loss and complications similar to those of longer implants.