Computed tomographic evaluation of sinus augmentation with simultaneous endosseous implant placement.

Computed tomography (CT) has become the gold standard by which a comprehensive implant treatment plan is determined and a postoperative assessment of cancellous and cortical bone is achieved. A patient with an insufficient alveolar bone height and sinus pneumatization was treated for the simultaneous placement of implants with sinus augmentation. CT scans were used not only for the presurgical evaluation, but also for the postoperative radiographic observation. The new sinus floor seemed to be more defined as time goes on and the decrease in alveolar bone height could not be found. The cortication and remodeling of the buccal window were apparent in the 10-month postoperative CT scan. No significant change in alveolar bone height was seen between the 6- and 10-month postoperative measurements. Implants placed simultaneously with the sinus augmentation procedure were maintained in a healthy condition up to 18 months and it was shown that CT scans can serve as a good follow-up tool in assessing postoperative results.