Augmenting the maxillary sinus for implants: report of 27 patients

A method for restoring the posterior portion of the maxilla with a simultaneous composite alloplastic sinus lift graft and placement of press-fit implants is presented. Sinus grafting is needed because of minimal remaining alveolar bone. The composite graft material uses a combination of demineralized freeze-dried cortical bone and Interpore 200 hydroxyapatite. Since 1987, 45 sinus grafts with simultaneous placement of 111 root-form implants have been performed for 27 patients. None of the 76 restored implants have been lost. Complications were encountered in 2 patients (4 sinuses) who were heavy smokers. Antibiotics were administered, symptoms subsided, and the implants integrated.