Retrospective study of sintered porous-surfaced dental implants placed in the augmented sinus

The purpose of this study was to analyze clinical and radiographic outcomes of sintered porous-surfaced dental implants placed in partially edentulous posterior maxillae. The study group consisted of 42 partially edentulous patients who received sinus augmentation using the lateral window technique or crestal approach at Catholic University Hospital of Daegu and one private clinic. The 42 patients received a total of 92 sintered porous-surfaced dental implants in the edentulous posterior maxillae. All implants were restored with fixed prostheses. Of the 92 implants, 17 implants were restored with individual (nonsplinted) crowns, while 75 implants were splinted to other implants. Panoramic views and periapical radiographs using the standardized long-cone paralleling technique were taken at the first visit, postoperatively, at the time of prosthesis seating, and at a follow-up visit. Survival rates of implants in relation to location, length, diameter, crown-to-implant (C/I) ratio, and type of prosthesis were investigated. Statistical data were analyzed using software with the chi-square test. Of the 92 implants, 8 (8.7%) were removed, and the cumulative survival rate was 91.3% after a maximum 9-year functional period (mean: 72.8 months; range: 11 to 107 months). There were no statistical differences in relation to the location of implants, C/I ratio, or type of prosthesis. However, there were statistical differences in relation to the length and diameter of implants. Average crestal bone loss was 0.68 mm at 1-year follow-up and 1.13 mm at final examination. All implants were inserted in the augmented maxillary sites. The cumulative survival rate of sintered porous-surfaced implants in posterior maxillae was 91.3%. Sintered porous-surfaced implants showed satisfactory results in the edentulous posterior maxillae.