Smiling person with glowing dental implants.

Short vs. Standard Dental Implants: Which Is the Better Choice for Your Smile?

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A pilot study compares the clinical outcomes of short and conventional implants in the posterior mandible, providing insights into bone density, implant stability, and long-term success."

Dental implants have become a reliable solution for addressing tooth loss, offering a way to restore both function and aesthetics. However, when faced with limited bone availability, particularly in areas where bone atrophy is present, choosing the right type of implant becomes crucial. This is where the debate between short and standard dental implants comes into play.

Traditional methods for increasing bone volume, such as bone grafting and sinus lifts, can be complex, costly, and may involve extended recovery times. As an alternative, short implants have emerged as a potentially less invasive option. But are they as effective and reliable as their longer counterparts? That’s what recent research aims to find out.

A pilot study published in the "Revista de Odontologia da UNESP" in 2017, investigated the clinical comparison of short and conventional implants placed in the posterior region of the mandible. The study assessed bone density, peri-implant bone height, and resonance frequency, offering valuable insights for both dental professionals and individuals considering implant treatment.

Understanding the Research: Short vs. Standard Implants

Smiling person with glowing dental implants.

The study, conducted by Ibelli, Assaf, Santos et al., involved 11 patients who received either short implants (5.0 x 5.5 mm and 5.0 x 7.0 mm) or conventional implants (4.0 x 10 mm and 4.0 x 11.5 mm) in the posterior mandible. Researchers then evaluated several key factors over a six-month period:

The following measurements were taken:

Radiographic bone density: Assessing the density of the bone surrounding the implant.
Peri-implant bone height: Measuring the height of the bone around the implant to detect any bone loss.
Resonance frequency analysis (RFA): Evaluating the stability of the implant by measuring its resonance frequency.

Implants were evaluated at three different time points. T0 (immediately after installation of the temporary prosthesis), T1 (after 90 days), and T2 (after 180 days). Let's explore the study's findings to understand the key differences between short and standard dental implants:

Making Informed Decisions for a Confident Smile

Ultimately, the choice between short and conventional dental implants depends on individual needs and anatomical considerations. Consulting with a qualified dental professional is essential to determine the most suitable option. This pilot study provides valuable insights into the clinical performance of short implants, offering reassurance that they can be a viable alternative to conventional implants, especially when bone availability is limited. Consider all factors to ensure long-term success and satisfaction with your dental implant treatment.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/1807-2577.04017, Alternate LINK

Title: Clinical Comparison Of Short And Conventional Implants Placed In The Posterior Region Of The Mandible. A Pilot Study

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Revista de Odontologia da UNESP

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Guilherme Siqueira Ibelli, Fátimah Assaf, Anne Beatriz Souza Santos, Michele Bastos Porto Santos, Guilherme José Pimentel Lopes De Oliveira, Rogério Margonar, Thallita Pereira Queiroz

Published: 2017-11-30

Everything You Need To Know

What are the main types of dental implants discussed in the context?

Dental implants are a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. There are two main types discussed: short and standard. The pilot study, conducted by Ibelli, Assaf, Santos et al., in the posterior region of the mandible, aims to compare these two types to evaluate their effectiveness. This comparison provides insights into their suitability based on factors like bone density and stability.

What is the main focus of the pilot study?

The pilot study, published in the "Revista de Odontologia da UNESP" in 2017, compares short and conventional dental implants in the posterior mandible. The study involved 11 patients who received either short implants (5.0 x 5.5 mm and 5.0 x 7.0 mm) or conventional implants (4.0 x 10 mm and 4.0 x 11.5 mm). It assesses bone density, peri-implant bone height, and resonance frequency analysis (RFA) over a six-month period, which helps in understanding the performance of each implant type.

What factors are evaluated in the research on dental implants?

The research included several factors. These measurements were taken: radiographic bone density, peri-implant bone height, and resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Radiographic bone density assessed bone density. Peri-implant bone height measured the height of the bone around the implant. RFA evaluated the stability of the implant by measuring its resonance frequency. These factors are crucial in determining the success and longevity of the dental implants.

How often were the implants evaluated during the study, and what were the time points?

Short implants (5.0 x 5.5 mm and 5.0 x 7.0 mm) and conventional implants (4.0 x 10 mm and 4.0 x 11.5 mm) were evaluated at three different time points: T0 (immediately after installation), T1 (after 90 days), and T2 (after 180 days). The assessment at these time points provides a timeline of how the implants performed over the six-month period. The results of each time point help provide data on stability and bone integration.

How should you choose between short and conventional dental implants?

The choice between short and conventional dental implants depends on individual needs and bone availability. This pilot study offers valuable insights into the clinical performance of short implants, which can be a good alternative when bone availability is limited. Consulting a dental professional is crucial to determine the most suitable option based on your unique anatomy and requirements. This ensures long-term success and satisfaction with the dental implant treatment.