Sinus Floor Augmentation on at the Time of Maxillary Molar Extraction: Success and Failure Rates of 137 Implants in...

Implant restoration of the posterior maxilla poses significant challenges to the clinician. In an effort to increase the apical occlusal dimension of available bone for implant placement, a number of sinus augmentation approaches have been suggested. This paper describes a simplified technique for predictable sinus augmentation at the time of maxillary molar extraction.

A modified trephine and osteotome technique was utilized to implode the interradicular bone following maxillary molar extraction. Particulate material and a membrane were then placed to maximize regeneration of alveolar bone.

One hundred sixty-seven (1 67) implants were subsequently placed in regenerated bone following the above technique. One hundred thirty-seven (137) of these implants were restored and in function for up to 3 years at the time of statistical compilation, and 136 of the 137 implants were functioning successfully by the Albrekteson criteria for a cumulative success rate of 97.8%.

The technique presented for simultaneous sinus augmentation at the. time of molar extraction, followed by subsequent implant placement after maturation of regenerating tissues, demonstrates a high success rate for up to 3 years in function. Long-term studies may be useful in evaluating the continual efficacy of such an approach. J Periodontol 2002; 73:3944.