BACKGROUND: Short dental implants are considered an alternative method of treatment to the maxillary sinus elevation and bone augmentation procedure at the sites of a reduced alveolar ridge height. The aim of the study was to determine the most effective therapeutic approach for a single tooth replacement in a reduced maxillary alveolar crest.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 30 partially edentulous patients having a residual crestal height of 6 mm and a minimal width of the alveolar ridge of 6–7 mm: 15 patients received regular dental implants (OsseoSpeed™ L11 Ø4 mm and L13 Ø4 mm) and the implantation was preceded by the sinus lift procedure from a lateral window approach with the application of a xenogeneic bone graft, whereas the remaining 15 patients received short implants (OsseoSpeed™ L6 mm Ø4 mm) without the sinus lift and augmentation procedure. All implants were loaded with single non-splinted crowns. Radiological examination (CBCT, RVG) was performed before the surgery and after 36 months. Primary and secondary stabilization with Osstell ISQ® and Periotest® were assessed.

RESULTS: Good results in primary and secondary stability were achieved in both systems. The marginal bone level (MBL) loss was low (0.22±0.46 mm and 0.34±0.24 mm, for short and conventional implants, respectively). No significant difference in MBL between groups was found.

CONCLUSIONS: Short implants can be successfully used to support single crowns in the lateral part of the maxilla.

Keywords: Maxilla, Prostheses and Implants, Sinus floor augmentation