An 8-year retrospective study: 1,100 patients receiving 1,557 implants using the minimally invasive hydraulic sinus condensing technique.

BACKGROUND

For many clinicians, inadequate alveolar bone height and anatomical features of the maxillary sinus complicate sinus lift procedures and placement of endosseous implants. We present a new internal crestal approach that addresses these issues.

METHODS

Sinus burs and condensers of increasing width are used in conjunction with pliable atraumatic bone grafting mixture and hydraulic pressure from a surgical handpiece. The risk of a membrane perforation is minimized when the surgeon's tactile skill is administered in a two-stage process to first loosen and then graft bone particulate under the Schneiderian membrane. Threaded implants can then be placed in the same visit and secured via primary closure.

RESULTS

A retrospective investigation of 1,100 cases showed that eight implants failed and 14 required longer healing periods in patients with alveolar ridge heights varying between <1 to 5 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience suggests that hydraulic sinus condensing is a predictable and minimally invasive alternative for prosthetic rehabilitation of maxillary anterior and posterior regions in the presence of anatomical restrictions to implant placement.