Less invasive sinus lift using the technique of Summers modified by Lazzara

The sinus floor elevation (sinus lift) is a procedure used for treating patients with very large pneumatisation of the maxillary sinus and thereby with severe atrophic maxilla (height of the residual alveolar bone between 5 and 8 mm). A modification of this technique is the osteotome sinus floor elevation: this is a less invasive method of creating sites with osteotomes by crestal approach in locations with insufficient bone for insertion of oral implants. With larger osteotomes, bone graft substitutes are placed through the osteotomy site to provide a sinus floor elevation and an augmentation of the crestal bone. Therefore, via the osteotome technique, longer oral implants can be inserted.     

Simultaneous sinus lift and implantation using platelet-rich fibrin as sole grafting material

Recently, several authors have shown that simultaneous sinus lift and implantation using autologous platelet-rich fibrin as the sole filling material is a reliable procedure promoting bone augmentation in the maxillary sinus. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of simultaneous sinus lift and implantation using platelet-rich fibrin as the sole grafting material on bone formation in a canine sinus model. An implant was placed after sinus membrane elevation in the maxillary sinus of six adult female mongrel dogs. The resulting space between the membrane and sinus floor was filled with autologous platelet-rich fibrin retrieved from each dog. The implants were left in place for six months. Bone tissue was seen at the lower part of the implants introduced into the sinus cavity. The height of the newly formed bone around the implants ranged from 0 mm to 4.9 mm (mean; 2.6 ± 2.0 mm) on the buccal side and from 0 mm to 4.2 mm (mean; 1.3 ± 1.8 mm) on the palatal side. The findings from this study suggest that simultaneous sinus lift and implantation using platelet-rich fibrin as sole grafting material is not a predictable and reproducible procedure, especially with respect to the bone formation around the implants in the sinus cavity.     

Survival of implants placed with the osteotome technique: An update

A literature review is made to analyze the survival of implants placed with the osteotome technique. A PubMed search was made based on the key words "osteotome AND dental implants", corresponding to publications between 1998-2008. The inclusion criteria were: a) a minimum of 10 patients; b) a minimum follow-up of 6 months; c) implants placed using the osteotome technique with or without indirect sinus lift; and d) specification of the implant number and survival rate. Sixty-four articles were identified, of which 20 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 2006 implants were placed in 1312 patients using the osteotome technique. The duration of follow-up after prosthetic loading ranged from 6-144 months. Indirect sinus lift was carried out in all but one of the studies. The residual crest height ranged from 2.8-12 mm, with a mean gain in bone after sinus lift of 2.5-5.1 mm. The time from implant placement to prosthetic loading varied from 1.5-9 months. The percentage implant survival rate was 85.1-100%. The survival rate of implants placed with the osteotome technique is high and does not differ with respect to implant placement with the conventional technique.     

Sinus Floor Augmentation With Simultaneous Implant Placement Using Choukroun's Platelet-Rich Fibrin as the Sole Grafting Material: A Radiologic and Histologic Study at 6 Months

Background: Sinus augmentation with simultaneous implant placement without bone graft material is a hotly debated technique. This technique could be improved and secured by the use of an autologous leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) (Choukroun's technique) concentrate. The objectives of this study were to assess the relevance of PRF clots and membranes as the sole filling material during a lateral sinus lift with immediate implantation using radiologic and histologic analyses in a case series. Methods: Twenty-five sinus elevations with simultaneous implantation were performed on 20 patients with Choukroun's PRF as the sole filling biomaterial. For each patient, a presurgical exam and a 6-month post-surgical radiologic exam were performed with a panoramic x-ray and three-dimensional volumetric computed radiography (VCR) to evaluate the subsinus residual bone height and the final bone gain around the implants. In nine patients, 6 months after the sinus lift, bone biopsies were collected on the buccal wall of the alveolar ridge at the level of the osteotomy window, and evaluated by histomorphometry. Results: In this study, 41 implants from three different systems with different screw designs (Biomet 3I Nanotite, MIS Seven, Intra-Lock Ossean) were placed. All implants were inserted in residual bone height between 1.5 and 6 mm (mean ± SD: 2.9 ± 0.9 mm). The final bone gain was always very significant (between 7 and 13 mm [mean ± SD: 10.1 ± 0.9 mm]). No implant was lost. After radiologic analyses, the position of the final sinus floor was always in the continuation of the end of the implant. All biopsies showed well organized and vital bone. Conclusions: From a radiologic and histologic point of view at 6 months after surgery, the use of PRF as the sole filling material during a simultaneous sinus lift and implantation stabilized a high volume of natural regenerated bone in the subsinus cavity up to the tip of the implants. Choukroun's PRF is a simple and inexpensive biomaterial, and its systematic use during a sinus lift seems a relevant option, particularly for the protection of the Schneiderian membrane.     

A Prospective 1‐Year Clinical and Radiographic Study of Implants Placed after Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentation with Synthetic Biphasic Calcium Phosphate or Deproteinized Bovine Bone

Background: The technique of using bone grafts or different biomaterials for augmentation of the maxillary sinus prior to implant placement is well accepted by clinicians. However, clinical documentation of some bone substitutes is still lacking. Purpose: This prospective study was designed to evaluate the success rate of implants placed after maxillary sinus augmentation with a novel synthetic biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) or deproteinized bovine bone (DBB), the latter acting as control. Material and Methods: Nine edentulous patients and two partially edentulous patients with a mean age of 67 years with a bilateral need for sinus augmentation, <5 mm residual bone in the floor of the sinus and a crestal width ≥4 mm, were included in the study. After bilateral elevation of the Schneiderian membrane, all patients were randomized for augmentation with synthetic BCP in one side and DBB in the contralateral side. After 8 months of graft healing, 62 implants with an SLActive surface were placed. Implant survival, graft resorption, plaque index, bleeding on probing, sulcus bleeding index, probing pocket depth, and implant success rate were evaluated after 1 year of functional loading. Results: After a mean of 118 days, all patients received their fixed prosthetic constructions. One implant was lost in each biomaterial, giving an overall survival rate of 96.8%. Success rates for implants placed in BCP and DBB were 91.7 and 95.7%, respectively. No significant difference in marginal bone loss was found around implants placed in BCP, DBB, or residual bone, respectively. The mean graft resorption was 0.43 mm (BCP) and 0.29 mm (DBB). Conclusion: In this limited study, implant success rate was not dependent on the biomaterial used for maxillary sinus augmentation. Similar results were found after 1 year of functional loading for implants placed after sinus augmentation using BCP or DBB.     

Clinical case reports of injectable tissue-engineered bone for alveolar augmentation with simultaneous implant placement

This clinical study was undertaken to evaluate the use of tissue-engineered bone, mesenchymal stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, and beta-tricalcium phosphate as grafting materials for maxillary sinus floor augmentation or onlay plasty with simultaneous implant placement in six patients with 3- to 5-mm alveolar crestal bone height. All 20 implants were clinically stable at second-stage surgery and 12 months postloading. A mean increase in mineralized tissue height of 7.3+/-4.6 mm was evident when comparing the pre- and postsurgical radiographs. Injectable tissue-engineered bone provided stable and predictable results in terms of implant success.     

Flapless, CBCT-guided osteotome sinus floor elevation with simultaneous implant installation. I: radiographic examination and surgical technique. A prospective 1-year follow-up

Background: Survival rates of implants placed in transalveolar sinus floor augmentation sites are comparable with those placed in non‐augmented sites. Flapless implant surgery can minimize postoperative morbidity, alveolar bone resorption and crestal bone loss. The use of cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) provides 3D presentations with reduced dose exposure. Objectives: To evaluate a flapless, CBCT‐guided transalveolar sinus floor elevation technique with simultaneous implant installation. Material and methods: Fourteen consecutive patients in need of maxillary sinus floor augmentation were enrolled in this study. Preoperative CBCT with a titanium screwpost as an indicator at the intended implant position was used to visually guide the flapless surgical procedure. Twenty one implants all with a length of 10 mm and a diameter of 4.1 and 4.8 mm were inserted and followed clinically and with CBCT for 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Intraoral radiographs were taken for comparison. All patients were provided with permanent prosthetic constructions 8–12 weeks after implant surgery. Results: Ten (47.6%) implants were inserted in residual bone of 2.6–4.9 mm and 11 (52.3%) implants were inserted in residual bone of 5–8.9 mm. No implants were lost after surgery and follow‐up. There was no marginal bone loss during the follow‐up verified by CBCT. The implants penetrated on average 4.4 mm (SD 2.1 mm) into the sinus cavity and the mean bone gain was 3 mm (SD 2.1 mm). Conclusion: Flapless transalveolar sinus lift procedures visually guided by preoperative CBCT can successfully be used to enable placement, successful healing and loading of one to three implants in residual bone height of 2.6–8.9 mm. There was no marginal bone loss during the 3–12 months follow‐up. To cite this article :
Fornell J, Johansson L‐Å, Bolin A, Isaksson S, Sennerby L. Flapless, CBCT‐guided osteotome sinus floor elevation with simultaneous implant installation. I: radiographic examination and surgical technique. A prospective 1‐year follow‐up.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23 , 2012; 28–34.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02151.x     

The use of a piezoelectric ultrasonic osteotome for internal sinus elevation: a retrospective analysis of clinical results

Purpose: To explore the possibility and evaluate the clinical outcome of accomplishing maxillary internal sinus floor augmentation through the use of a piezoelectric osteotome in conjunction with dental implant placement and to discuss this technique. Materials and Methods: Patients attending the outpatient clinic of the Department of Dental Implantology, Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, between July 2007 and September 2009, who had insufficient bone volume to harbor endosseous implants at least 8 mm long in the lateral/posterior maxilla because of sinus pneumatization were enrolled in the study. Sinus augmentations were accomplished with a piezoelectric osteotome, followed by implant placement, either immediately or delayed (6 months after augmentation, if the residual ridge height was less than 4 mm). Results: Thirty patients with 36 maxillary molar sites with insufficient alveolar bone height as a result of pneumatization of the sinus were included in this study. The residual vertical bone height ranged from 2 to 8 mm. Twenty-eight implants were placed into 24 patients immediately after sinus augmentation. Another eight implants were placed into 6 patients 6 months after sinus augmentation. Only one sinus membrane perforated (failure rate: 2.78%). Only one implant was lost during the observation period. No other implant mobility or rapid bone loss was seen during a follow-up period of 5 to 27 months. Conclusions: Application of a piezoelectric osteotome for internal sinus elevation simplified manipulation of the membrane and greatly reduced the chance of perforation. The pressure gradient between sinus and implant cavity was helpful in accomplishing this technique.     

Localized Management of Sinus Floor Technique for Implant Placement in Fresh Molar Sockets

Background: The use of osteotome for vertical bone augmentation and localized sinus elevation with minimal surgical trauma represents a suitable procedure to increase the vertical dimension of available bone for implant placement. Purpose: The aim of this study was to report clinical and radiographic results of localized management of sinus floor (LMSF) in fresh molar sockets at 13‐year follow‐up. Materials and Methods: Fifty‐three patients, needing one or two maxillary molar extraction, were enrolled in this study. LMFS procedure was performed and 68 implants were positioned. A presurgical distance from the alveolar crest to the floor of the maxillary sinus and the amount of new radiopacity between the sinus floor and alveolar crest were measured from the mesial and distal surfaces of each dental implant surface. Results: After a mean follow‐up period of 9.76 ± 5.27 years (ranged from 4 to 17 years) a survival rate of 100% was reported. Mean bone height at temporary prosthesis placement was 7.99 ± 1.16 mm. They were stable over time, reporting a mean value of 8.01 ± 1.46 mm at 13‐year follow‐up. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that LMSF procedure in fresh molar sockets allowed to expand the dimensions of resorbed posterior maxillary alveolar bone both vertically and horizontally with a success rate of 100% of implant osseointegration over time.     

Maxillary Sinus Augmentation Using Prehydrated Corticocancellous Porcine Bone: Hystomorphometric Evaluation after 6 Months

Background: Insufficient alveolar bone height often prevents the placement of standard dental implants in the posterior part of edentulous maxilla. In order to increase adequately the vertical dimension of the reabsorbed alveolar process, a sinus lift procedure is often necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate histologic results of a prehydrated corticocancellous porcine bone used in maxillary sinus augmentation. Methods: Patients (age 18–70 years) with a residual bone height requiring a maxillary sinus augmentation procedure to place dental implants were eligible for this study. All patients were treated with the same surgical technique consisting of sinus floor augmentation via a lateral approach. The space obtained by elevation of the mucosa wall was grafted with prehydrated and collagenated corticocancellous porcine bone. Biopsies were harvested 6 months after the augmentation procedures. Results: Twenty‐four patients were enrolled. The mean percentage of new formed bone was 43.9 ± 18.6% (range 7.5–100%), whereas the mean percentage of residual graft material was 14.2 ± 13.6% (range 0–41.9%). The new bone/residual graft material ratio in the maxillary sinuses was 3.1. The mean soft tissues percentage was 41.8 ± 22.7% (range 0–92.5%). Conclusion: The present study suggested that porcine bone showed excellent osteoconductive properties and could be used successfully for sinus augmentation. Moreover, the porcine bone showed a high percentage of reabsorption after 6 months; this might be because of the presence of collagen and the porosity of the graft material.     

Use of the sandwich osteotomy plus an interpositional allograft for vertical augmentation of the alveolar ridge.

INTRODUCTION: Vertical augmentation of the alveolar ridge is necessary for extensive resorption of the alveolar ridge. AIM: To evaluate treatment outcome after alveolar ridge augmentation by a sandwich osteotomy combined with an interpositional allograft. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The deficient alveolar ridges were augmented by a sandwich osteotomy combined with bovine collagen matrix as an interpositional allograft placed between the basal bone and the osteotomized fragment without fixation. Standardized lateral cephalographs were taken of nine patients, before surgery, immediately postoperatively and 3 months after augmentation to evaluate the level of augmentation, bone loss and stability of the osteotomized fragment. RESULTS: The augmentation ranged between 8.4 and 11.0mm (mean 9.8mm). Bone resorption in the crestal bone height ranged from 1.5 to 3.0mm (mean 2.1mm) after 3 months. Bone resorption in thickness of the osteotomized fragment ranged from 0.3 to 2.0mm (mean 1.0mm). CONCLUSION: Although there was some resorption of the superior and anterior parts of the reconstructed alveolar process, it was concluded that this procedure of augmentation is safe.     

Influence of residual alveolar bone height on implant stability in the maxilla: an experimental animal study

Aims/Background: Empirically, for implant placement associated with sinus floor augmentation, a minimum of five mm of residual crestal bone height has been recommended in order to achieve sufficient initial implant stability. It has been the aim of the study to test this assumption in an experimental animal trial. Material and methods: In eight mini pigs, three premolars and two molars were removed on one side of the maxilla. Three months later the animals were assigned to four groups of two animals each. A cavity was created at the base of the alveolar process so that the residual bone height was reduced to 2, 4, 6 and 8 mm, respectively. The coronal part of the alveolar crest remained unchanged. An inlay augmentation procedure was carried out using a particulated autogenous bone graft from the iliac crest, and six implants (Xive, diameter 3.8 mm, length 13 mm) were placed. Implant stability was assessed by resonance frequency analysis at the time of implant placement (T0), after 6 months of unloaded healing (T1) and after 6 months of functional loading (T2). Results: During follow‐up, two implants were lost in sites with a residual alveolar bone height of 2 mm. At the time of implant placement, resonance frequencies were 6754.4±268, 6500.3±281.5, 6890.3±255.4 and 7877.9±233.7 Hz for residual bone heights of 2, 4, 6 and 8 mm, respectively. At stage‐two surgery and after 6 months of functional loading, resonance frequencies were 6431.7±290.8, 6351.8±437.6, 6213.4±376.2 and 6826.8±458.9 Hz vs. 6171±437.4, 6047±572.4, 6156.7±272.6 and 6412.8±283.5 Hz. Statistical analysis revealed an association of residual alveolar height and implant stability at T0 and T1 only (P<0.01), while bone height was not found to influence implant survival. Conclusion: The results of the present trial demonstrate an association of alveolar bone height and implant stability at the time of implant placement and stage‐two surgery. Yet the assumption that 5 mm of residual crestal bone height is a relevant threshold for simultaneous implant placement and sinus floor augmentation is not supported from an experimental point of view.     

Clinical Outcomes of an Osteotome Technique and Simultaneous Placement of Neoss Implants in the Posterior Maxilla

Background: Insufficient bone volume often hamper placement of dental implants in the posterior maxilla. Purpose: The aim of the present clinical study was to evaluate retrospectively the clinical outcome of implant placement in the resorbed posterior maxilla using an osteotome technique without adding any grafting material. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with 5 to 9 mm of residual alveolar bone height in the posterior maxilla received twenty‐nine implants (Neoss Ltd., Harrogate, UK) using an osteotomy technique without bone grafts. Intraoral radiographs were taken before and after implant placement, at the time of loading and after 11 to 32 months of loading (mean 16.4 months), to evaluate bone formation below the sinus membrane and marginal bone loss. Implant stability measurements (Osstell^TM, Gothenburg, Sweden) were performed after implant installation and at abutment connection 5 months later. All implants were installed with the prosthetic platform level with the bone crest. Results: No implant was lost giving a survival rate of 100% after a mean follow‐up time of 16.4 months. The average vertical bone height was 7.2 ± 1.5 mm at placement and 10.0 ± 1.0 mm after 11 to 32 months. The average increase of 2.8 ± 1.1 mm was statistically significant. There was a statistically significant improvement in implant stability from 70.7 ± 9.2 implant stability quotient (ISQ) at placement to 76.7 ± 5.7 ISQ at abutment connection, 5 months later. The mean marginal bone loss amounted to 0.7 ± 0.3 mm after 11 to 32 months of loading. Conclusion: It is concluded that the osteotome technique evaluated resulted in predictable intrasinus bone formation, firm implant stability, and good clinical outcomes as no implants were lost and minimal marginal bone loss was observed.     

闭合式上颌窦挤压提升同期人工牙种植修复45例分析

目的：观察使用Summers骨凿或骨挤压器经牙槽嵴顶闭合式抬高上颌窦底、同期植入种植体的临床效果。方法：对41例45侧后牙缺失患者行上颌窦闭合式提升，必要时植自体骨或人工骨，同时植入种植体。结果：45侧上颌窦剩余牙槽骨平均高度为6．8mm(5～9mm)，用骨凿平均提升上颌窦底高度3．5mm(2～6mm)。2侧上颌窦黏膜被钻穿孔，放弃牙种植。其余43侧上颌窦共植入63颗种植体，长度10～15mm。Ⅱ期手术时，5颗种植体松动拔除。追踪12～48个月，修复后1颗种植牙松动拔除，1颗进行性骨吸收，总成功率达88．9％。所有病例均无上颌窦并发症：结论：上颌窦内提升技术较开窗式上颌窦提升创伤小，操作步骤简单，对有适量剩余牙槽骨的上颌窦区种植可以考虑使用；但由于存在窦底黏膜穿孔风险，技术要求高，同时必须有专用的器械，应慎重使用。在严格控制适应证、掌握种植外科技巧的情况下，开展上颌窦内提升技术是可行的，可以取得较高的成功率。     

Il rialzo del seno mascellare con osso bovino deproteinizzato: studio clinico prospettico

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate success and survival rates of implants inserted following maxillary sinus lift procedures in patients with a residual bone height of up to 6 mm, a residual bone width of at least 5 mm, and preservation of normal intermaxillary relationships.Materials and methodsWe performed 68 maxillary sinus lifts in 60 patients. Bovine bone mineral was the only graft material used. In subsequent surgical procedures, a total of 120 implants were inserted, and prosthetic loading was done 5 months after implant placement.ResultsAll sinus grafts showed evidence of full integration. The mean follow-up after prosthetic loading was 24 months. The mean (± SD) marginal bone loss was 0.85 mm (± 0.36 mm). The overall implant survival and implant success rates were 100% and 97.5%, respectively.ConclusionsThe results of this study seem to confirm that use of bovine bone mineral as the sinus graft material offers reliable and predictable results in terms of the survival and success of dental implants in the atrophic posterior jaw.     

Maxillary sinus floor augmentation using bioactive glass granules and autogenous bone with simultaneous implant placement. Clinical and histological findings

This clinical study was undertaken to: 1) evaluate the use of bioactive glass Biogran combined with autogenous bone as grafting material for maxillary sinus augmentation with simultaneous implant placement using radiography and histology; and 2) document the short-term post-loading success of implants inserted in sinus cavities augmented with this material. Unilateral or bilateral sinus augmentation was performed in 12 patients with 3-5 mm of alveolar crestal bone height in the posterior maxilla prior to grafting. The sinuses were grafted with bioactive glass mixed in a 4:1 ratio with autogenous bone. Simultaneously, 2-3 threaded titanium implants were inserted into the augmented sinuses. Second stage surgery was carried out 9 to 12 months post implantation. At abutment connection, 10 core biopsy specimens were taken from different grafted sites and evaluated histologically. All 27 implants were clinically stable at second stage surgery. A mean increase in mineralized tissue height of 7.1 +/- 1.6 mm was evident when comparing the pre-surgical CT scans with those performed 9-12 months following the sinus augmentation procedure. Evaluation of the cores yielded a mean of 30.6 +/- 5.7% of bone tissue in the grafted sites. One implant failed during the prosthetic phase while the remaining 26 implants were stable 12 months post loading. This study suggests that Biogran/autogenous bone graft combination used in one-stage sinus augmentation yields sufficient quality and volume of mineralized tissue for predictable simultaneous implant placement in patients with 3-5 mm of bone height prior to grafting.     

Crestal core elevation technique--case series and literature review

Sinus floor augmentation is the most common surgical procedure for gaining bone volume in the posterior maxilla. The purpose of this procedure is to enable implant placement un edentulous ridges. The most common techniques for sinus augmentation are: 1. Bone added osteotome sinus floor elevation (BAOSFE). 2. Crestal core elevation (CCE). 3. Lateral window technique (LWT). Since the early 80's many articles describing the successful use of different augmentation materials for sinus elevation have been published. Although many articles have been published on the lateral window technique and the osteotome technique as described by Summers, few articles have been published on the crestsal core sinus elevation technique. This technique, first described by Summers, includes the use of wide diameter osteotomes and trephine bur with a diameter of 6 m"m. This technique is implemented in situations when the available bone for implant placement is less than 6 m"m , which impairs the possibility of achieving primary stability of the implant. In those cases crestal core elevation is performed and implant placement is postponed 3-8 months later. Modification of the technique described by Summers was published by Fugazzoto, this technique is implemented concomitant with the extraction of the upper molars. The crestal core elevation technique (CCE), which is based on the BAOSFE (Bone Added Osteotome Sinus Floor Elevation), is based on the principle of hydraulic force acting on fluids and particles which transfer the vector of force to all direction, in this case the sinus membrane. The detached core of interradicular bone prior to osteotome placement and malleting significantly reduces surgical trauma to the patient especially in cases where a significant portion of the pre-disease interradicular bone remains. The concomitant placement of particulate material and a membrane at the time of tooth extraction offers the advantage of minimizing if not eliminating significant 3-dimensional alveolar resorption. In this article 3 cases treated using the crestal core elevation technique are presented. Advantages and disadvantages of the technique and indication for use will be discussed.     

Simplified osteotome sinus augmentation technique with simultaneous implant placement: a clinical study

The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate a modified maxillary sinus floor augmentation technique: the simplified osteotome technique. The study consisted of 26 patients treated with 39 Br?nemark implants (Nobel Biocare) placed using the simplified osteotome technique between September 1997 and November 2004 (87 months). Implant length ranged from 10 to 15 mm, while the loading time ranged from 5 to 74 months (mean: 35.2 months). The success rate was 97.4% according to Albrektsson's criteria. These preliminary data indicate that the simplified osteotome technique is effective and safe, though long-term, multicenter studies are still needed.     

Osteotome sinus floor elevation and simultaneous placement of implants--a 1-year retrospective study with Astra Tech implants

Background: The bone support for implants in the posterior part of the maxilla is often poor. This condition may be treated with augmentation of the maxillary sinus floor. The most common technique used is to elevate the sinus floor by inserting a bone graft through a window opened in the lateral antral wall, although less invasive techniques with osteotomes have been used since 1994. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of implants placed in the posterior maxilla with the osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) technique without grafting. Materials and Methods: The study population comprised 36 consecutive patients in whom 53 implants were inserted with the OSFE technique. The indication for sinus floor elevation was that the bone height below the maxillary sinus was considered to be 10 mm or less. Results: The mean height of the alveolar process in the intended implant sites was 6.3 ± 0.3 mm, and the mean elevation of the sinus floor was 4.4 ± 0.2 mm. At the 1‐year follow‐up, two implants had been lost, both in edentulous patients. The remaining 51 implants inserted were in function, giving a 1‐year cumulative survival rate of 96%. Implants used in single‐tooth replacements and in partially edentulous cases had a 100% survival rate. The mean marginal bone level at the time of loading of the implants was 0.1 ± 0.04 mm below the reference point. One year later, the corresponding value was 0.5 ± 0.06 mm. The mean bone loss between the two examinations was 0.4 ± 0.05 mm. Conclusions: The OSFE technique, without bone grafts, was found to produce predictable results in the treatment of 36 patients with restricted bone volume in the posterior part of the maxilla.     

Implants in the posterior maxilla: a comparative clinical and radiologic study

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate implants placed according to several methods of sinus floor augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients (median age of 62 years, range 23 to 89) had been treated at least 3 years prior to examination with screw-type implants in the posterior maxilla. Depending on the vertical dimension of the residual bone, 1 of 3 surgical procedures had been performed: sinus lift by lateral antrostomy (SL) in 13 patients; osteotome technique (OT) in 18 patients; standard implantation in 17 patients (control). In each patient 1 implant was randomly chosen for analysis (48 implants with a mean observation time of 4.6 +/- 1.4 years). Examination included probing pocket depth (PPD) measurement and radiographic examination. Radiographs were digitized to assess the marginal bone level. Differences between the groups were tested using analysis of variance, the Student t test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Mean PPD was 3.0 mm for the SL, 3.1 mm for OT, and 3.1 mm for control. The mean radiographic bone level was 1.53 mm for SL, 2.40 mm for OT, and 1.96 mm for control. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups for either of these parameters. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Clinical examinations as well as radiographically stable bone levels indicated similar biomechanical conditions for prosthetic restorations when applying the 3 surgical procedures tested.