Dentists often face challenges when placing implants in an area of reduced alveolar bone height.  This situation is seen in both the posterior maxilla and mandible due to alveolar bone resorption, pneumatization of maxillary sinuses and the presence of anatomic structures (e.g. inferior alveolar nerve).  The accepted solution for this problem has been conventionally to perform a bone grafting procedure.  Despite good predictability and success rate of grafting procedures, patients are often reluctant to undergo the surgery due to the risks, morbidities, and costs of the procedureand the stress of undergoing an invasive procedure.

Short implants (≤ 8mm) have been introduced recently as a potential treatment alternative to bone grafting procedures in patients with limited alveolar bone height in the posterior maxilla and in the severely atrophic mandible.

In this presentation we will discuss the criteria for successful clinical application of short wide diameter implants and share with the audience our clinical experience.