Short versus longer implants with osteotome sinus floor elevation for moderately atrophic posterior maxillae: A 1-year randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

To compare the clinical, radiographic outcomes and patient satisfaction of short-6-mm implants and longer implants combined with osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE). Two hundred and twenty-five patients with 225 implants were included and randomly assigned into three groups (each group: 75 implants) using randomizing table method: group 6mm (6mm implants alone), group 8mm+O (8mm implants+OSFE) and group 10mm+O (10mm implants+OSFE). Outcomes measures were as follows: implant survival, complication, resonance frequency analysis measurement, surgical time, bleeding on probing (BOP), pocket probing depth (PPD), modified plaque index (mPI), marginal bone loss (MBL) and patient satisfaction. The dropout rate was 3.6% at 1year. Implant survival rates were 96%, 100% and 100% in group 6mm, group 8mm+O and group 10mm+O, respectively. In group 6mm, the survival rates of implants with diameter of 4.1mm were 90% (27/30), while the survival rates of implants with diameter of 4.8mm were 100% (42/42). The surgical time (min) in group 6mm was significantly shorter than those in group 8mm+O and group 10mm+O (13.6±2.2, 19.4±3.7 and 18.3±4.3, respectively, p=0.03). No significant differences in ISQ values, BOP, PPD, mPI and MBL were found among three groups. Significant higher value of intra-operative discomfort was found in group 6mm (p=0.02). All treatment options provided acceptable clinical and radiographic results up to 1year after loading. The current 1-year results must be confirmed by longer follow-ups of at least 5years.