Two-stage maxillary sinus reconstruction with endosseous implants: a prospective study

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the results of 2-stage maxillary sinus reconstruction using titanium implants placed into iliac corticocancellous bone blocks previously grafted to the floor of sinuses. Fifty consecutive patients received 314 Brånemark implants of varying lengths; 202 implants were placed in the grafted bone and 112 were placed in the adjacent anterior maxillary alveolar process, which had received buccal onlay bone grafts. Follow-up time was 9 to 48 months after implant placement, which was accomplished 5 months after bone grafting. Eighty-four percent of the implants were integrated into the grafted sinuses and 75% were integrated into the anterior graft. Six patients (12%) lost implants in strategic positions, leading to secondary implant placement prior to fabrication of fixed prostheses. Thirty-eight patients (76%) received fixed prostheses. Only 5 individuals (10%) attained permanent implant-anchored overdentures. One patient lost all implants. The total implant survival rate (80.9%) and the survival rate of the fixed prostheses (100%) compare favorably with other reports.