Short dental implants — what are they and when to use them?

What are short dental implants?

Short implants have a compact structure, usually fit in length from 4 to 8 mm, which allows them to be used in places with limited bone height. Despite their smaller length, their width and special surface treatment ensure good osseointegration, that is, permanent fusion with the bone, which guarantees stability and strength comparable to standard implants. These implants have a fastener on which the prosthetic crown is fixed, which allows the natural restoration of the function and aesthetics of the tooth.

When are short implants used?

Short implants are indicated above all in the following situations:

• Alveolar bone atrophy — when the bone is too short to implant a long implant and the patient is unwilling or unable to undergo bone augmentation procedures.
• Limited anatomical space — e.g. in the lateral sections of the jaw and mandible, where the proximity of nerves or sinuses prevents the use of long implants.
• Periodontal disease and osteoporosis in patients with advanced periodontitis or bone weakness, where short implants minimise further bone loss and reduce the risk of complications.
• Disapproval of complex surgical procedures — short implants avoid long and expensive treatment associated with bone grafts or sinus lift.
• Emergency Situations — e.g. when it is necessary to replace the defect quickly after extraction or in the case of problems with traditional implants.

Thanks to their design, short implants can be implanted even in one visit, which shortens the treatment and recovery time.

Differences between short and traditional implants

Short implants are usually 4 to 8 mm long, while traditional implants are over 8 mm long, most often 10 to 16 mm. Short implants are used in situations where the amount of bone is limited or anatomical conditions are difficult, while traditional implants require adequate bone volume.

The need for augmentation procedures, such as bone grafts, is usually less or absent with short implants, whereas traditional implants often require such procedures. Treatments using short implants are less invasive and have a lower risk of complications.

The healing and integration time of short implants is usually faster due to the larger area of integration with the bone, while traditional implants have a standard healing time. The stability and durability of short implants is comparable to traditional implants, thanks to a special surface treatment that promotes osseointegration.

summary

Short dental implants are an innovative solution for patients with limited bone or difficult anatomical conditions who want to avoid complicated restorative procedures. Thanks to them, it is possible to quickly, less invasively and effectively fill in dental deficiencies while maintaining high functionality and aesthetics. They are especially recommended in the lateral sections of the jaw and jaw, in people with bone atrophy, periodontal disease or contraindications for long surgical treatment.