Rehabilitation of an atrophic posterior mandible with 4-mm short implants

PURPOSE: We describe a successful implant-prosthetic rehabilitation of an atrophic posterior mandible with 4 mm long implants. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The patient refused to undergo any reconstructive surgery and, because the available bone up to the inferior alveolar nerve was only 4.5 and 5 mm, the patient received 4 implants of 4 mm length. RESULTS: Four months after implant position, a temporary prosthesis was put in place which was then in turn replaced by a permanent prosthesis after another four months. The follow-up time is at two years after implants loading. CONCLUSION: The use of such short implants allows a fixed prosthetic solution without the need for vertically augmenting the mandibular bone. This procedure considerably reduces intra and postoperative patient discomfort compared to reconstructive surgery for the placing of longer implants.