Vetromilla B M, Mazzetti T, Pereira-Cenci T. Short versus standard implants associated with sinus floor elevation: An umbrella review of meta-analyses of multiple outcomes. J Prosthet Dent 2020; DOI: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2020.08.002. Online ahead of print.

Short implants had a better or equal performance compared with standard implants for all outcomes.

Bone loss in the edentulous posterior maxilla complicates dental implant placement. This review evaluated the existing evidence for short and standard implants in association with sinus floor elevation regarding implant survival, marginal bone loss, and complications by using an umbrella review of the evidence across meta-analysis of interventional studies. Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses. From 2011 studies, seven systematic reviews were included as per the eligibility criteria. There was no statistically significant difference between groups for implant survival, and the qualitative analysis did not show differences for prosthetic outcomes. Standard implants were associated with fewer prosthetic complications in the quantitative analysis, but no difference was found between the treatments in the qualitative analysis. Short implants showed reduced marginal bone loss and better biologic outcomes. Patient satisfaction was similar for both groups, whereas costs and time for the procedure favoured short implants. The quality of the evidence was graded as 'critically low' and 'low.' There was a high certainty of evidence for implant survival, whereas marginal bone loss and complications had moderate certainty.