Sinus Elevation with an Alloplastic Material and Simultaneous Implant Placement: A 1-Stage Procedure in Severely Atrophic Maxillae

Aims and objective

The aim of the study is to evaluate clinically and radiographically the long term success of one-stage direct (lateral) sinus lift procedure using alloplastic bone graft material and bio-absorbable membrane in conjunction with two stage implant placement in atrophic partially edentulous posterior maxilla.

Materials and methods

One stage direct maxillary sinus lift in conjunction with two stage implant placement was carried out in 12 patients at 13 sites. All the patients were partially edentulous with posterior maxillary alveolar ridge height of >5 mm and were in the age group of 20–50 years. Bioactive glass putty, bio-absorbable collagen membrane and 3.75 × 11.5 mm implants were used. Loading of implants was done 6 months after placement of implants. Patients were evaluated clinically and radio-graphically 6, 18, 30 months after placement of implants to assess increase in residual ridge height, peri-implant condition (marginal bone loss, plaque and gingival index) and implant stability.

Results

Maxillary first molar was the most common site (69.23 %) for sinus lift and implant placement. Caries was the most common cause (76.92 %) for loss of tooth. Increase in residual ridge height ranged from (71.43 to 133.33 %) as measured by Denta-Scan. Implant survival rate was 100 %. Marginal bone loss ranged from 0.68 to 1.22 mm. Implant stability was measured by periotest (−2.7 to −3.6). Only one patient had perforation of sinus membrane, but it was sealed satisfactorily by bio-absorbable membrane.

Conclusion

One stage lateral sinus lift procedure with alloplastic bone graft material in combination with 2 stage implant placement has a predictable outcome in patients with severe resorption of posterior maxilla.