Abstract: Objectives To evaluate the clinical efficacy of short implant used in the marginal bone loss posterior regions and to discuss the use value of the short implant. Methods A retrospective study design was adopted. The clinical and radiographic data of 37 short implants in 26 patients (3mm≤bone height≤6mm) from 2009 to 2011 were collected after 25 to 48(mean 36) months’ follow-up to estimate the clinical result. The survival rate was evaluated according to Buser and Cochran’S survival criteria. Results The overall cumulative survival rate was found to be 97.3% and 1case early failure before restoration in the maxillary molar region was observed. The mean loss in margin bone height was less than 1.5 mm．Conclusions In the case of low alveolar ridge height of maxillary posterior region (3 mm≤H≤6 mm), survival rate of short implants over an average period of 36 months was favorable and comparable with longer implants.

Key words: Short implant, Maxillary sinus floor elevation, Implant survival