ABSTRACT
Introduction and objective: The placement of short dental implants is used as an alternative treatment modality to bone grafting procedures. The aim of this study was to discuss, through a literature review, the features, indications and biomechanical aspects of short implants, as well as to report the clinical factors that influence on their indication. Literature review and conclusion: It was found that short implants osseointegration can be compromised by risk factors that must be controlled to achieve treatment success. In conclusion, the main indication of short implants is to avoid an invasive surgery at atrophic areas of maxilla and mandible. Furthermore, implant design associated with surface treatment are factors that compensate its short length.