Outcomes of 6.5-mm Hydrophilic Implants and Long Implants Placed with Lateral Sinus Floor Elevation in the Atrophic Posterior Maxilla: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Clinical Comparison.

BACKGROUND: Very few controlled studies have compared short and long implants placed with appropriate sinus floor elevation techniques.

PURPOSE: To compare the 2-year outcomes of 6.5-mm hydrophilic implants placed with osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) and standard implants placed with lateral sinus floor elevation in patients with a severely atrophic posterior maxilla.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with a residual bone height of 4-5 mm were randomized to receive one of the two above-mentioned treatments. Intra- and postoperative complications were recorded. The implant survival rate, peri-implant bone level, and periapical endosinus bone gain were assessed.

RESULTS: Of the 80 inserted implants, one in the long implant group failed because of abscess formation. The peri-implant bone level change (0.35 ± 0.60 mm vs 0.40 ± 0.71 mm) was not significantly different between the two groups. The endosinus bone gain was 2.94 ± 0.81 mm and 10.19 ± 0.95 mm in the short and long implant groups, respectively. No serious adverse events related to implant surgery were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the placement of 6.5-mm short implants with OSFE is an effective alternative for the rehabilitation of a severely atrophic posterior maxilla.