Implant Failure Rate in Transcrestal and Lateral Window Sinus Augmentations: A Descriptive Retrospective Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Implantology
• Regenerative Dentistry

Background:

• Maxillary sinus augmentation is crucial for dental implant placement in atrophic maxillae.
• Comparing the efficacy of Lateral Window (LW) and Transcrestal (TC) sinus augmentation techniques is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare implant survival rates between LW and TC sinus augmentation techniques.
• To identify risk factors associated with implant failure following these procedures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort analysis of 135 patients undergoing maxillary sinus augmentation and implant placement (2015-2019).
• Data collected included surgical approach (LW vs. TC), graft materials, implant characteristics, and clinical outcomes.
• Statistical analysis to determine implant survival rates and associated risk factors.

Main Results:

• Overall implant failure rate was 7.7%, with higher rates in the TC group (11.11%) than the LW group (2.22%).
• Shorter implant length (8mm) and smoking were significant predictors of implant failure.
• Smoking also negatively impacted graft survival.

Conclusions:

• The Lateral Window technique demonstrated higher implant survival rates than the Transcrestal technique in this cohort.
• Smoking and shorter implant length are significant risk factors for implant failure.
• Potential confounding by indication necessitates cautious interpretation of technique-specific survival rates.