Graftless Maxillary Sinus Lift Using Lateral Window Approach: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE

The aim was to determine the survival rate of dental implants installed in the posterior region of the maxilla after a graftless maxillary sinus lift via the lateral window approach and to identify the factors involved in the results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search was done on MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Scopus, and Science Direct up to June 2016; additional studies were identified through an analysis of references. Primary studies in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French were included; the selection and data extraction process was conducted by 2 investigators independently, and the methodological quality was evaluated by means of the Effective Public Health Practice Project's Quality Assessment Tool.

RESULTS

The combined search identified 232 articles. After the selection process, 11 articles were identified, 9 of which were prospective and 2 were retrospective. In all of them, the graftless maxillary sinus lift was done with the immediate installation of the implant. All the studies included presented a low methodological quality. The mean survival rate of the implants was 97% with an average new intrasinus bone formation of 6.2 mm.

CONCLUSION

This technique has a high implant survival although it is not possible to identify its correct indication and contraindication.