Endosseous implants and bone augmentation in the partially dentate maxilla: an analysis of 17 patients with a follow-up of 29 to 101 months.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the survival rate of endosseous implants placed in the partially dentate maxilla treated with sinus inlay block bone grafts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients were subjected to bone augmentation procedures prior to or in conjunction with implant placement. Bone volumes were regarded as insufficient for implant treatment unless a bone grafting procedure was performed. The patients were treated with sinus inlay block bone grafts and endosseous implants in a 1- or 2-stage procedure. A total of 69 implants were placed in the patients who were followed for 29 to 101 months (mean, 53.1 months). The retrospective patient group was also prospectively followed using a standardized clinical and radiographic study design.

RESULTS: The implant survival rate was 91.3% (63/69). All implants were lost during the period from abutment connection to connection of the definitive prosthesis. All bone grafts were stable. Bone grafts supported 48 implants, of which 5 failed (10.4%). In the residual bone, 21 implants were placed, of which 1 failed (4.8%). All patients received a fixed partial prosthesis, which was stable during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION: The results of this investigation revealed a satisfactory clinical outcome of implant placement in grafted partially dentate maxillae after a mean follow-up of 53.1 months.