Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Modified Multi-Tooth Posterior Maxillary Alveolar Segment Infracture Without a Lateral Window for Staged Implant Placement: A Prospective Case Series.

Background/

Objectives

This prospective case series evaluated whether modified multi-tooth posterior maxillary alveolar segment infracture without a lateral window permitted staged implant placement.

Methods

Of 53 patients assessed, 8 were excluded and 25 declined; 20 eligible consenting non-smokers were enrolled consecutively and treated at 26 sites. Following three adjacent extractions, a single bone block containing the extraction sockets was mobilized through an oral-side oval osteotomy, displaced superiorly, and augmented. Cone-beam computed tomography was obtained before augmentation, at 6 months, and 1 year after loading.

Results

All 26 sites received two implants at 6 months; all 52 implants survived through 1 year of loading. Mean estimated displacement was 7.2 mm. Mean implant-bearing mineralized-tissue heights were 12.9 mm at 6 months and 12.8 mm at loaded follow-up; individual paired measurements and dispersion were unavailable. Pain lasted 4.7 ± 2.3 days. Small-to-moderate hematoma occurred in 10/20 patients. No dehiscence or clinically suspected membrane perforation was reported at 26 sites; no clinically suspected sinusitis or reoperation was reported in 20 patients.

Conclusions

The findings support feasibility in selected patients, not comparative effectiveness, confirmed membrane integrity, or individual dimensional stability. Controlled studies with reproducible imaging and longer follow-up are required.