Short Implants

Dentist replace missing, damaged, and severely decayed teeth by fixed or removable prostheses to restore or improve masticatory functions. There is a fundamental question in any treatment plan, namely, the desirable/ mandatory length of an occlusal table.The introduction of short and extra-short implants has represented a very appealing therapeutic alternative, particularly in the case of atropic posterior regions of mandible and maxilla, where apart from difficult access, limited visibility, reduced space, and poor bone quality, there is the risk of involving the inferior alveolar nerve or penetrating the maxilla sinus during implant placement. Short implants achieve predictable and promising long-term outcomes, provided they are placed following a comprehensive surgical and prosthetic protocol, based on the different biomechanical parameters essential to optimize long-term prognosis. This book is an attempt to provide some guidelines to the practitioner on the applications and contraindication to the use of short and extra-short implants.