A radiographic evaluation of graft height changes after maxillary sinus augmentation

The aims of the present study were to quantitatively assess graft height changes after sinus lift procedures and to analyze the factors that influenced graft height changes, including the residual bone height before surgery, surgical approach, and tooth type.

A total of 39 maxillary posterior implants placed during a simultaneous sinus lift procedure were evaluated. Panoramic radiographs of all patients were taken immediately after implant installation and at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years. To analyze graft height changes over time, we measured the distance between the implant platform and the base of the grafted sinus floor at 3 locations. The radiographs were analyzed by a single examiner.

Graft height tended to decrease over time, and a statistically significant difference was observed at 2 years compared to baseline (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in graft height change according to the surgical approach or tooth type. For residual bone height, a statistically significant difference in graft height change was found between those with 4-7 mm of residual bone height and those with ≥7 mm (P<0.05).

Graft height after sinus lift procedures significantly decreased at 2 years compared to baseline after sinus augmentation. Further studies should be done with controlled variables, and prospective studies with 3-dimensional images are needed to clarify the factors that influence graft height changes.