Modified maxillary sinus floor elevation via a mini-lateral window with simultaneous placement of dental implants: a clinical and radiographical study

This study assessed the effectiveness of modified sinus floor elevation via a mini-lateral window with simultaneous placement of implants in 20 patients with severely atrophic maxilla. Patients received mini-round-like or a mini-slot osteotomy which was done to establish an access on the lateral sinus wall for placement of bone grafts depending on the number of inserted implants and the characteristics of sinus floor. Clinical and radiographic parameters were collected. Results showed all implants were well maintained, with 100% cumulative success rate. The mean residual, immediate and 6-month postoperative augmented bone height was 3.0 +/- 0.5, 13.6 +/- 0.9, and 13.2 +/- 0.8 mm, respectively. Intra-operative and 6-month postoperative implant stability quotient (ISQ) were 61.2 +/- 3.7 and 76.8 +/- 2.4, respectively. No significant differences were found in clinical outcomes between two types of window approaches. Sinus augmentation via a mini window with simultaneous placement of implants has a higher success rate, may improve clinical outcome and thus can be used as a reliable treatment for severely atrophic maxilla.