Short dental implants: what works and what doesn't? A literature interpretation.

Dental implants with lengths ≤ 8 mm have been used with success in posterior arch regions where significant alveolar ridge resorption has occurred. Nevertheless, many clinicians are reluctant to use them regularly, if at all. Key factors for success include implant surface roughness, surgical placement methods, and, possibly, implant diameter, all of which are discussed here.