Abstract
Numerous studies show that after the insertion and osseointegration of the implants, only the first 2-3 spires assure their functioning. As a consequence, the minimum length of the implants diminished, and therefore the use of short implants is more and more frequent. Together with the shortening of the length of the implants, the apex was also changed to increase the surface of the implants and as a result their stability, as well as to avoid the injuring of the critical anatomical structures (sinus membrane, inferior alveolar nerve). This paper presents a case report in which implants in the posterior mandible 5.5 mm long and 5 mm in diameter were used. Drilling in the proximity of the mandibular canal was made with front cutting drills and for the stimulation of the osseous apposition in the newly created orifice and on the surface of the implant Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) was applied. The implants were prosthetized by applying for ceramic dental work on zircon fastened by cementation. The literature of the field shows that a 2:1 crown–implant proportion does not determine osseous resorption but a higher crown of 16 mm generates long term osseous resorption. As a conclusion, we can state that short implants are a very good alternative to more complex surgical techniques like the insertion of the implants next to the inferior alveolar nerve, the lateralization of the inferior alveolar nerve or the vertical osseous augmentation.

Key words: short implants, posterior mandible, reconstruction