Comparative Study of Survival of Short Length Implants with that of Long Length Dental Implants

Background: The common problem in oral implantology is a lack of sufficient bone height to harbor an implant that can meet functional and esthetic demands successfully over a long period of time. The possibility of using short implants in clinical practice could be considered as an alternative to avoid lengthy surgical procedures. Purpose: The purpose was to evaluate and compare the survival of short length dental implants with that of long length dental implants. Materials and Methods: A total of 5 patients were consecutively enrolled in this study and treated with implant-supported fixed restorations. 20 titanium screw type-2 staged Alpha Biocare implants-Alpha Tec Dual Implants system with 10 long and 10 short length dental implants were placed in these patients in similar bone conditions. The follow-up period of 1 year was taken for observation. Statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney's test and Chi-square test was performed for evaluating five parameters of dental implant survival namely pain, probing depth, stability, radiographic crestal bone loss, and peri-implant bone loss. Results: Survival based on the stability of implants was evaluated by a non-invasive device based on the principle of resonance frequency assessment using Osstell. All short length and long length implants were equally stable with the stability above 55 N. One-year survival rates were similar for long and short sized dental implants. Implant length did not influence the survival. Conclusion: Short length dental implants represent a reliable treatment option in cases with limited bone height.