Simplified osteotome sinus augmentation technique with simultaneous implant placement: a clinical study.

The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate a modified maxillary sinus floor augmentation technique: the simplified osteotome technique. The study consisted of 26 patients treated with 39 Brånemark implants (Nobel Biocare) placed using the simplified osteotome technique between September 1997 and November 2004 (87 months). Implant length ranged from 10 to 15 mm, while the loading time ranged from 5 to 74 months (mean: 35.2 months). The success rate was 97.4% according to Albrektsson's criteria. These preliminary data indicate that the simplified osteotome technique is effective and safe, though long-term, multicenter studies are still needed.