Carga inmediata de implantes extra cortos en sectores posteriores. Estudios retrospective con tres modelos de carga: 24, 48 hs y 7 días / Immediate loading of extra short implants in posterior sectors. Retrospective study with three loading models: 24 hs, 48 hs and 7 days

Los implantes extra-cortos son cada vez más utili-zados en la práctica clínica diaria. La utilización de estos implantes con carga inmediata supone un reto añadido. Clásicamente se ha postulado que la carga inmediata debe realizarse después de 24 horas de la cirugía. En la siguiente serie de casos analizamos diferentes tiempos a la hora de realizar la carga in-mediata y su posible repercusión. Fueron recolec-tados de forma retrospectiva datos sobre casos de implantes extra-cortos (5,5 y 6,5 mm) en los que fue realizada una carga inmediata en sectores poste-riores. El implante fue la unidad de análisis para la estadística descriptiva en cuanto a la localización, dimensiones del implante, y mediciones radiográ-ficas. El paciente fue la unidad de medida para el análisis de la edad, sexo y la historia clínica. La prin-cipal variable estudiada fue la supervivencia de los implantes extra-cortos con carga inmediata en tres períodos de tiempo determinados: 24 hs, 48 hs y 7 días y como variables secundarias se han estudiado, la estabilidad del hueso crestal en general y en los tres períodos de carga anteriormente mencionados, las complicaciones protésicas y la supervivencia de las prótesis. Fueron reclutados 74 pacientes en los que se insertaron 146 implantes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Todos los implantes fueron cargados mediante carga inmediata en tres perío-dos determinados de tiempo: 24 hs (40 implantes), 48 hs (42 implantes) y 7 días (42 implantes). Todos los implantes fueron ferulizados a otros implantes ge-nerándose puentes de dos o más unidades, con di-ferente longitud. En el grupo de implantes con carga inmediata en 24 hs la media de la pérdida ósea distal de todos los implantes fue de 0,21 mm (+/-0,84) y la media de la pérdida ósea mesial en este grupo fue de 0,33 mm (+/- 0,53). En el grupo de carga inmediata en 48 hs, la media de la pérdida ósea distal de todos los implantes fue de 0,20 mm (+/- 0,82) y la media de la pérdida ósea mesial fue de 0,22 mm (+/- 0,81). En el grupo de carga de 7 días, la pérdida ósea me-sial del grupo fue de 0,28 mm (+/- 0,51) y la media de la pérdida ósea distal fue de 0,17 mm (+/- 0,81). Cuando comparamos las medias de pérdida ósea me-sial y distal entre los tres grupos, no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (mesial p=0,062, distal p=0,067). En conclusión, no se obser-varon diferencias significativas en la pérdida ósea crestal ni en la supervivencia de los implantes cortos entre los 3 tiempos estudiados de aplicación de car-ga inmediata. Por ello, utilizar cualquiera de los tres protocolos puede ser adecuado, mientras se realice un correcto análisis de la situación clínica de cada paciente (AU)

Extra-short implants are increasingly used in daily clinical practice. The use of these implants with immediate loading poses an added challenge. Classically it has been postulated that immediate loading should be performed 24 hrs after surgery. In the following case series, we analyze different times of immediate loading and their possible repercussions. We retrospectively collected data on cases of extra-short implants (5.5 and 6.5 mm) in which immediate loading was performed in posterior sectors. The implant was the unit of analysis for descriptive statistics in terms of location, implant dimensions, and radiographic measurements. The patient was the unit of measurement for the analysis of age, sex and medical history. The main variable studied was the survival of immediately loaded extra-short implants in three specific time periods: 24 hrs, 48 hrs and 7 days. Secondary variables studied were crestal bone stability in general and in the three loading periods mentioned above, prosthetic complications and prosthesis survival. Seventy-four patients were recruited and 146 implants that met the inclusion criteria were inserted. All implants were loaded by immediate loading in three specific time periods: 24 hrs (40 implants), 48 hrs (42 implants) and 7 days (42 implants). All implants were splinted to other implants generating bridges of two or more units, with different lengths. In the 24-hr immediate loading group the mean distal bone loss of all implants was 0.21 mm (+/- 0.84) and the mean mesial bone loss in this group was 0.33 mm (+/- 0.53). In the 48-hr immediate loading group, the mean distal bone loss for all implants was 0.20 mm (+/- 0.82) and the mean mesial bone loss was 0,22 mm (+/- 0,81). In the 7-day loading group, the mesial bone loss of the group was 0.28 mm (+/- 0.51) and the mean distal bone loss was 0.17 mm (+/- 0.81). When we compared the mean mesial and distal bone loss between the three groups there were no statistically significant differences (mesial p=0.062, distal p=0.067). In conclusion, no significant differences were observed in crestal bone loss or in the survival of short implants between the 3 immediate load application times studied. Therefore, using any of the three protocols can be appropriate, as long as a correct analysis of the clinical situation of each patient is performed (AU)

Comparative clinical study using short and conventional implants in bilateral jaw posteriors

Abstract The aim of this study was to clinically and radiographically compare extra short and standards implants. Forty-two implants were installed in 10 selected patients. They received prosthetic loading only after the conventional waiting time for osseointegration and the prostheses were made ferulized. Radiographic shots were performed to evaluate vertical and horizontal bone losses at times T1 (prosthetic installation), T2 (6 months follow-up) and T3 (12 months follow-up). Biological parameters such as bone level around the implants (CBL) were evaluated, CBL alteration (CBLC), total crown length (TCL) and implant/crown ratio (ICR) were digitally calculated. All implants included in the study were submitted to the analysis of the implant stability quotient (ISQ) at the time of implant installation (T0) and at 12 months of prosthetic function (T3). Data were statistically tested. The ICR was higher in the test group than in the control group (p<0.0001). The CBL measurements at the beginning of the study were 0.21±0.19 mm and 0.32±0.38 mm and at 12 months 0.65±0.24 mm and 0.87±0.34 mm, respectively in the test and control groups. CBLCs and CBL were similar at all times (p>0.05). No correlation was found between CBLC and ICR parameters, as well as between ISQ and implant length. We may conclude that standards and extra short implants can provide similar clinical results in prosthetic rehabilitation of the atrophic jaw over 12 months of follow-up.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar clínica e radiograficamente implantes extra curtos e padrões. Quarenta e dois implantes foram instalados em 10 pacientes selecionados. Eles receberam carga protética somente após o tempo de espera convencional para a osseointegração e as próteses foram feitas ferulizadas. As imagens radiográficas foram realizadas para avaliar as perdas ósseas verticais e horizontais nos tempos T1 (instalação protética), T2 (6 meses de acompanhamento) e T3 (12 meses de acompanhamento). Parâmetros biológicos como nível ósseo ao redor dos implantes (CBL) foram avaliados, alteração CBL (CBLC), comprimento total da coroa (TCL) e relação implante / coroa (ICR) foram calculados digitalmente. Todos os implantes incluídos no estudo foram submetidos à análise do quociente de estabilidade do implante (ISQ) no momento da instalação do implante (T0) e aos 12 meses de função protética (T3). Os dados foram testados estatisticamente. A ICR foi maior no grupo teste do que no grupo controle (p<0,0001). As medidas de CBL no início do estudo foram de 0,21±0,19 mm e 0,32±0,38 mm e em 12 meses 0,65±0,24 mm e 0,87±0,34 mm, respectivamente nos grupos teste e controle. CBLCs e CBL foram semelhantes em todos os momentos (p>0,05). Não foi encontrada correlação entre os parâmetros CBLC e ICR, bem como entre o ISQ e o comprimento do implante. Podemos concluir que padrões e implantes extra curtos podem fornecer resultados clínicos semelhantes na reabilitação protética da mandíbula atrófica ao longo de 12 meses de acompanhamento.

Survival of short dental implants in atrophied jaw: a systematic review

AIM: Short implants are manufactured for use in atrophic regions of the jaw. Therefore, the current does not sufficiently reveal a direct correlation between the impact of implant length on implant survival. The purpose of this systematic review was to compile the evidence of short implant survival in atrophied jaws. METHODS: Electronic and manual literature searches were performed by two independent reviewers in several databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, for articles up to September 2015 using the following terms in some combinations: "short implant", "mandible/atrophied jaws", and "implant survival/ survival rate/ survival analysis". RESULTS: The 19 included studies present in average 5.5 years (range 1.0-20.0 years) follow-up and 96.1% (range 73.4-100.0 percent) survival rate of the short implants in atrophied mandibular. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review found evidences regarding to safety of short implant placement in atrophied jaws although stronger evidence is essential to confirm this finding.

A retrospective clinical study of single short implants (less than 8 mm) in posterior edentulous areas

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of single short implants, less than 8 mm in length, placed in the posterior area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 128 patients (75 male and 53 female, mean age: 52.6±11.2 years) with 154 implants participated. Implant marginal bone loss, and survival and success rates were measured. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 51.35±24.97 months. A total of 128 implants, 8 mm in length, were placed in patients who had mean marginal bone loss of 0.75 mm. These implants had a survival rate of 95.3%. Twenty-six implants, 7 mm in length, were placed in areas with a mean marginal bone loss of 0.78 mm and had a survival rate of 96.2%. Both marginal bone loss and survival rate were not statistically different among the groups. In the maxilla, 34 implants showed a mean marginal bone loss of 0.77 mm and a survival rate of 97.1%. In the mandible, 120 implants showed a mean marginal bone loss of 0.75 mm and a survival rate of 95.0%. The average marginal bone loss around all implants was 0.76±0.27 mm at the last follow-up review after functional loading. The survival rate was 95.6% and success rate was 93.5%. CONCLUSION: In our study, single short implants less than 8 mm in length in the posterior areas had favorable clinical outcomes.

Estudio comparativo sobre el comportamiento y la distribución de las tensiones en implantes dentales cortos e implantes dentales estándares en la región posterior del maxilar superior: Un estudio en elementos finitos / Comparative study on the behaviour and tension distribution in short and standard dental implants in the back of the upper jaw

Objetivos Estudios concluyen que la máxima tensión y distribución de fuerzas se produciría alrededor del cuello del implante. Comparar la distribución de las tensiones entre un implante dental corto oseointegrado en distintas disponibilidades óseas verticales y un implante estándar oseointegrado en el sector posterior del maxilar en un terreno mixto formado por hueso propio del paciente y Bio-Oss®. Conocer la distribución de las tensiones. Estudiar el aumento del diámetro del implante corto. Analizar si los resultados avalan el uso de implantes cortos. Material y método El método de elementos finitos (MEF), que permite resolver ecuaciones diferenciales asociadas a un problema físico sobre geometrías complicadas. En este trabajo la región geométrica es un modelo tridimensional de un implante, su corona, y una porción de la región ósea de la zona estudiada. Los modelos fueron sometidos a fuerzas de oclusión de 150 N en ángulo de 30° Norma ISO 14801:2003. El software de MEF que se utiliza es el ABAQUS de la empresa Dassault Systèmes. Resultados Máximos valores se concentran en la porción cervical del implante. Las tensiones en el implante están dentro del mismo rango. A mayor módulo de elasticidad de los elementos que componen los modelos, mayor es la absorción de las fuerzas. Las tensiones en el hueso cortical no mostraron diferencias, pero en el modelo que aumentamos el diámetro del implante a 4,8 se produce una marcada disminución de las tensiones. La comparativa de las tensiones en el hueso esponjoso muestra que existe diferencia en las tensiones producidas en el hueso con Bio-Oss® y está localizado en la porción apical del implante quedando lejos de la zona de mayor concentración de los esfuerzos. Conclusiones La máxima concentración de las fuerzas a nivel cervical es independiente de la longitud del implante, siendo más favorable el aumento del diámetro. El uso de implantes cortos en hueso de baja calidad parece posible.

Objectives Current studies conclude that the maximum tension and the greater distribution of forces should occur around the implant neck. To compare the distribution of stress between a short dental implant osseointegrated in different available vertical bones and standard osseointegrated implants in the posterior maxilla in mixed terrain formed by the bone of the patient and Bio-Oss®. To determine the stress distribution. To study the increased diameter of the short implant. To determine whether the results support the use of short implants. Materials and methods The finite elements method (FEM), which helps to solve differential equations associated with a physical problem with complicated geometries, was used in this work, where the geometric region is a three-dimensional model of an implant, its crown, and a portion of the bone region of the studied area. The models were subjected to occlusion forces, 150 N Angle 30° ISO 14801: 2003. The MEF software used was called Abaqus from Dasssault Systemes Enterprise. Results The maximum values were concentrated in the cervical portion of the implant. Tensions in the implant are in the same range. The greater the elasticity of the elements contained in the module, the greater is the absorption of stress forces. The tension in the cortical bone showed no differences, but in the model where the diameter of the implant is increased to 4.8, a marked decrease occurs in the bone stress. The comparison of the stresses in the cancellous bone showed a difference in the stresses produced in the bone with Bio-Oss®, and it is located in the apical portion of the implant away from the area of the major stress concentration. Conclusions The maximum concentration of forces in cervical portion is independent of the length of the implant, being favourable to increase the diameter. It is possible to use low quality bone in for shorts implants.

Investigation of the influence of design details on short implant biomechanics using colorimetric photoelastic analysis: a pilot study

Introduction : The clinical survival of a dental implant is directly related to its biomechanical behavior. Since short implants present lower bone/implant contact area, their design may be more critical to stress distribution to surrounding tissues. Photoelastic analysis is a biomechanical method that uses either simple qualitative results or complex calculations for the acquisition of quantitative data. In order to simplify data acquisition, we performed a pilot study to demonstrate the investigation of biomechanics via correlation of the findings of colorimetric photoelastic analysis (stress transition areas; STAs) of design details between two types of short dental implants under axial loads. Methods Implants were embedded in a soft photoelastic resin and axially loaded with 10 and 20 N of force. Implant design features were correlated with the STAs (mm2) of the colored fringes of colorimetric photoelastic analysis. Results Under a 10 N load, the surface area of the implants was directly related to STA, whereas under a 20 N load, the surface area and thread height were inversely related to STA. Conclusion A smaller external thread height seemed to improve the biomechanical performance of the short implants investigated.

O uso de implantes dentários curtos na arcada mandibular: cinco anos de acompanhamento clínico / The use of short dental implants in the mandibular arch: a 5-year follow-up case report

O propósito deste trabalho foi apresentar aspectos favoráveis ao uso de implantes curtos nas situações de limitações de altura e volume ósseo em mandíbulas atróficas, onde o tratamento com este tipo de implante torna-se viável. Uma paciente que optou pelo tratamento com implantes curtos, depois de uma grande procura para reabilitação de uma mandíbula com significativa perda óssea e grande instabilidade de suas próteses. Depois dos exames clínico e radiográfico, foram instalados seis implantes Titamax CM na região anterior inferior entre 33 a 43, sendo cinco implantes de tamanho 7 mm e um de 8 mm como base para a confecção de uma prótese total fixa tipo protocolo. Depois do período de espera para a osseointegração, realizou-se a reabertura e, através do aparelho Osstell, verificou-se a alta estabilidade dos implantes com o osso, pré-requisito para a garantia do sucesso na reabilitação implantossuportada. Após três meses houve a troca da prótese total convencional superior e a elaboração de uma prótese fixa protocolo inferior. Foram feitos alguns acompanhamentos semestrais e a paciente apresenta excelente resultado clínico há mais de cinco anos...

The purpose of this study is to promote the use of short implants in situations of limited height and bone volume in atrophic mandibles, whereas treatment with this type of implant becomes feasible, showing a patient that has chosen a treatment with short implants, after spending a long time in search for the best possibilities in a mandible with signifi cant bone loss and the instability of her prostheses. After clinical and radiographic examination, six Titamax CM implants were installed in the lower anterior region between 33-43, seeing that five of them were at the size of 7 mm and one of 8 mm serving as foundation for a future fixed total prosthesis. After the waiting period for osseointegration, a high stability was verified with the aid of Osstell, being a prerequisite for ensuring the successful implant-supported rehabilitation. Three months later, a conventional total prosthesis was placed along with the elaboration of a lower fixed prosthesis. Regular follow-ups were made at each six months and the clinical results are excellent after 5 years...

Implantes curtos com conexão protética cônica suportando coroas unitárias – relato de casos clínicos com acompanhamento de um ano / Short locking-taper implants supporting single crowns: case reports with 1-year of follow-up

Os implantes curtos acentuaram as opções para instalação de implante, como um tratamento alternativo para cirurgias avançadas de aumento ósseo. Nos últimos anos, vários estudos foram publicados, nos quais implantes curtos foram comparados a implantes convencionais. Entretanto, observações a longo prazo com implantes curtos suportando próteses unitárias na região posterior ainda estão em falta. Neste relato, o uso de implantes curtos (6,6 mm) com conexão cônica foi uma modalidade de tratamento previsível para a restauração de espaço anodôntico unitário, no segmento posterior da dentição, com um ano de acompanhamento clínico. No entanto, não existe nenhum estudo clínico randomizado, com implantes de 6,6 mm de comprimento, suportando coroas unitárias. No futuro, será necessário apresentar dados clínicos controlados e randomizados para implantes curtos, a fim de obter evidências definitivas.

Short dental implants have broadened clinical options for implant placement as an alternative to complex bone augmentation surgeries. In the last years, several studies were published, with short compared to conventional implant sizes. However, long-term observations on short implants for single-tooth crowns in the posterior region are lacking. In this report, the use of short dental implants (6.6 mm) with a tapered connection has demonstrated to be predictable over one-year of follow-up. Nevertheless, there is no randomized clinical controlled study with 6.6 mm dental implants for single-tooth crowns. In this way, more randomized controlled studies will be necessary in the near future to provide definitive evidence on the use of 6.6 mm short dental implants.

Evaluación de las tasas de supervivencia clínica de los implantes cortos: revisión de la literatura / Evaluation of clinical survival success of short implants: review of the literature

El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar las diferentes publicaciones de estudios clínicos sobre el empleo de implantes cortos y su éxito clínico. Se realizó una revisión sistemática en Enero de 2012 en la base de datos PubMed y SciELO con las palabras clave: dental implants, short dental implants y success survival. Se evaluaron los artículos publicados en los últimos cinco años. Los resultados se limitaron a los ensayos clínicos. Los artículos relevantes fueron analizados. Cuatro artículos participaron en la revisión final. Se colocaron un total de 4300 implantes de los que fracasaron 41 (0,95 por ciento). Se encontraron tasas de supervivencia del 96,6 por ciento hasta el 99,3 por ciento. Los estudios recientes muestran que los implantes cortos pueden ser predecibles y que tienen tasas de éxito similares a las de implantes convencionales siempre que sean utilizados bajo una cuidadosa planificación de tratamiento y protocolos estrictos.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate different published clinical studies of short dental implants and their clinical success rate. A systematic search in January 2012 in PubMed and SciELO database with key words: dental implants, short dental implants and success survival. We evaluated the articles published in the last five years. Results were limited to clinical trials. Relevant articles were then evaluated. Four articles entered the final review. A total of 4300 implants were placed of which 41 (0.95 percent) failed. The survival rates ranged from 96.6 percent to 99.3 percent. Recent studies demostrate that short dental implants can be predictable and have a success rate similar to that of conventional implants as long as they are placed after careful planning and following strict protocol.

Implantes curtos em região posterior da mandíbula / Short dental implants at the posterior mandibular region. A literature review

A reabilitação de regiões edêntulas com implantes dentários osseointegráveis é um procedimento previsível, bem documentado na literatura e com elevadas taxas de sucesso. Entretanto, a escassez óssea do leito receptor ou a proximidade com estruturas anatômicas limita o procedimento reabilitador, principalmente nas regiões posteriores da mandíbula. Dessa forma, os implantes curtos são uma alternativa de tratamento para esses casos de reabsorção óssea severa. O objetivo deste artigo foi fazer uma revisão da literatura para analisar a taxa de sucesso dos implantes curtos, destacando-se os instalados na região posterior da mandíbula, assim como apresentar um caso clínico. Para isso foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico dos artigos publicados nos anos de 2005 a 2012, indexados na base de dados Pubmed e Bireme. Foi empregada a palavra-chave: implantes curtos. Concluiu-se que as taxas de sucesso dos implantes curtos são semelhantes às taxas de sucesso dos implantes convencionais e que essa taxa de sucesso está relacionada com a geometria e o tratamento das superfícies dos implantes curtos. Ainda, o implante curto pode ser considerado como uma alternativa viável para a reabilitação dos maxilares severamente reabsorvidos. Entretanto, muitos autores consideram que mais pesquisas são necessárias para se equivaler um implante curto com um implante longo.

The rehabilitation of edentulous areas with osseointegrated dental implants is a well-documented, predictable procedure in the literature, with high success rates. However, the lack of bone at the recipient bed or proximity to anatomic structures limits the rehabilitation procedure especially at the posterior mandible. Thus, short implants are an alternative treatment for such cases of severe bone resorption. The purpose of this study was to review the success rate of short implants, especially those based in the posterior mandible and to show a clinical case. A literature review was made on electronic databases PubMed and Bireme with articles published between the years 2005 to 2012, using the keywords “short dental implants”. It was concluded that the success rates of short implants are similar to those presented by conventional implants but still related to their geometry and surface treatment. Also, short implants can be considered as a viable alternative for the rehabilitation of severely resorbed jaws. However, many authors consider that more research is necessary when a short implant is compared to a long dental implant

Implantes cortos: reporte de 30 implantes: parte I: oseointegración / Short implant system: 30-implant report: part I: osseointegration

Introducción: este reporte clínico pretende presentar los resultados obtenidos con un sistema de implantes que modifica el protocolo convencional quirúrgico en cuanto a las revoluciones de fresado, no uso de irrigación, recolección del hueso nativo y opciones protésicas como la corona integrada al pilar, la cementación extraoral y la posición universal del pilar. En cuanto a su diseño se destaca el uso de implantes cortos, plataforma reducida, aletas laterales, conexión al pilar por cierrefriccional y superficie alterada. Métodos: se colocaron treinta implantes Bicon® de seis milímetros de longitud para restauración de diente único en veintidós pacientes. Se hizo el protocolo quirúrgico de acuerdo con las recomendaciones del fabricante y endos fases quirúrgicas. Se hizo la cirugía de destape de cada implante y se cementaron todas las restauraciones metal-cerámicas. Resultados: se reporta 100% de oseointegración de los implantes al momento de la cirugía de destape, con ausencia de movilidado dolor durante la función, ausencia de exudado y normalidad de los tejidos blandos periimplantares; se reporta ausencia de radiolucidez en la evaluación radiográfica. Conclusión: en este estudio podemos concluir que con el protocolo quirúrgico modificado y el diseño del implante Bicon® (Bicon™ Dental Implants, Boston, MA) se logró el 100% de éxito en la oseointegraciónde treinta implantes cortos al momento de la cirugía de destape, con superficie alterada y plataforma reducida, colocados para la restauración de diente único en diferentes zonas de la cavidad oral.

Introduction: the purpose of this clinical report is to present the collected results with an implant system that modifies the classical protocol regarding drilling speed, use of irrigation, native bone collecting and prosthetic options including crown integrated to the abutment, extraoral cementing of the crown and universal position of abutment screw. Regarding implant design, it´s important to highlight the use of short implants, with reduced platform, lateral wings instead of screw threads, abutmentconnection by means of friction and modified implant surface. Methods: 30 Bicon® implants, all six-mm of length, were placed in order to perform single tooth restorations in 22 patients. The surgical protocol was performed according to indications of themanufacturer in two surgical stages. The implants were uncovered and all metal-ceramic crowns were cemented. Results: the percentage of osseointegration success was 100% at the time of uncovering, without pain or mobility during function, no signs ofinfection and healthy appearance of peri-implant tissues. There were no radiographic changes at the x-ray evaluation. Conclusion: considering the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that with the modified surgical protocol and the structural design of the Bicon® Implant (Bicon™ Dental Implants, Boston, MA) a 100% osseointegration success was achieved on 30 implants with modified surface and reduced platform, placed in different areas of the oral cavity for single-tooth restoration.

Short implants with single-unit restorations in posterior regions with reduced height: a retrospective study

Aim: Previous studies have shown excellent prognosis with short implants. However, evidence of short implants rehabilitated with single-unit restorations is scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the percentage of success of short implants in posterior maxillary and mandibular regions with single-unit restorations. Methods: This study comprised a retrospective analysis of data of 41 patients that received 54 short implants between 2004 and 2009. All implants were placed by the same surgeon and all restorations were performed by experienced professionals. All implants were placed in sites with reduced bone volume; 48 implants were evaluated by computed tomography and 6 implants by radiography. Failures and biological complications were analyzed. Results: It was observed a success rate of 96.3% in the osseointegration period and 100% in the load period that ranging from 7 to 38 months. Two complications were observed, which were successfully treated without risk of implant loss. Conclusions: Short implants in posterior regions rehabilitated with single-unit restorations are a treatment option with high success rate and thus may be indicated in posterior regions with reduced bone height.