Long-term evaluation of sinus floor elevation using a modified lateral approach in the posterior maxilla.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hybrid technique, which was modified from the lateral approach in sinus elevation by combining transalveolar access. Sixty patients (mean age of 53.3±11.6years) with 105 implants placed in the posterior maxilla with the average remaining bone height (RBH) of 4.3±1.8mm (range of 1.2-9.2mm) were enrolled in the hybrid group and followed up for 96months. The control group included 36 patients with 44 implants placed in the corresponding site with sufficient RBH. Cumulative survival rate (CSR), radiographic measurements in RBH, augmented bone height (ABH), and marginal bone loss (MBL) were analyzed during the follow-up period. Cumulative survival rate in the hybrid group was 98.1%, which was comparable to the control group (97.7%). MBL of the mesial and distal aspects in the hybrid group (0.28±0.66mm and 0.41±0.93mm, respectively) was comparable to the control group (0.84±1.11mm and 0.76±0.88mm, respectively). In the hybrid group, the membrane perforation rate during the surgery was 4.5%. ABH was 8.3±1.8mm after the surgery and maintained consistently during the follow-up period (7.4±1.9mm after 4years). The hybrid technique is a simple and predictable surgical method for simultaneous placement of a dental implant with sinus floor elevation regardless of the RBH.