Purpose: Short implants are a minimally invasive alternative in the management of alveolar bone atrophy. This study aimed to assess the influence of the surgical approach (1-stage vs 2-stage) on the 15-year survival and marginal bone loss of short implants in a fixed complete denture.

Materials and methods: A retrospective clinical study was conducted in a single private dental clinic that included short implants placed between January 2001 and December 2002.

Results: Forty-one short implants supported 18 screw-retained complete dentures. The mean follow-up time was 15 ± 3 years. The surgical approach (1-stage vs 2-stage) did not significantly affect implant survival and marginal bone loss. The implant survival rate was 90.2%.

Conclusions: Short dental implants could be predictably indicated to support fixed complete dentures. The implants could be placed through a 1- or 2-stage surgery.