BackgroundTo compare the radiological parameters and success of posterior maxillary direct sinus lift with simultaneous or delayed implant placement, or implant placement in native bone, after a minimum follow-up period of 5 years.Material and MethodsA retrospective cohort study was carried out in a university clinic, selecting patients subjected to implant treatment in the posterior maxilla between the years 2005 and 2011. The patients were divided into three groups: 1) implants placed in native bone; 2) direct sinus lift with simultaneous implant placement; and 3) direct sinus lift with delayed implant placement. Bone crest level, bone loss, vertical bone gain, and implant success and survival after a minimum follow-up period of 5 years after prosthetic loading were analyzed.ResultsA total of 163 patients and 329 implants were included in the study. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.0 ± 1.9 years. Bone loss and implant success and survival were very similar in all three groups, with no significant differences among them. Graft reabsorption was greatest during the first 12 months, though graft stabilization was confirmed after 5 years of follow-up.ConclusionsBone loss and percentage success and survival proved very similar for the implants placed in native bone and for sinus lift with simultaneous or delayed implant placement. The height of the graft material decreased mainly in the first 12 months, and continued until stabilization after 5 years, with no significant variations thereafter. Key words:Sinus lift, pristine bone, native bone, dental implants, marginal bone loss, radiological study, implant survival, implant success.