SHORT IMPLANTS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO MAXILLARY SINUS AUGMENTATION IN THE ATROPHIC POSTERIOR MAXILLA: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Bone resorption in the posterior maxilla, combined with maxillary sinus pneumatization, limits the placement of conventional-length implants, forcing clinicians to choose between sinus floor elevation and the use of short implants. This narrative literature review aimed to compare short implants versus conventional implants combined with maxillary sinus elevation in the atrophic posterior maxilla regarding implant survival, marginal bone loss, and complications. PubMed/MEDLINE, PubMed Central, SciELO, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched, and systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized clinical trials published between 2008 and 2024 were analyzed. The studies demonstrated similar survival rates between the approaches, including at five- and ten-year follow-ups. Short implants were associated with fewer biological complications and, in some analyses, less marginal bone loss, although one review indicated a higher incidence of prosthetic complications. It is concluded that short implants represent a predictable and less invasive alternative to sinus elevation in cases of moderate residual bone height, with the choice depending on a consideration of bone height, morbidity, cost, and operator experience.