Retrospective evaluation about morse taper versus external hexagon implants placed after maxillary sinus lift.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the success and survival rate of implants with different types of prosthetic connections inserted in the posterior maxilla in native bone or in sinuses previously grafted with different biomaterials.

METHODS

A total of 310 implants inserted in 113 patients were evaluated, 87 of which were inserted in association with grafted maxillary sinuses (56 morse taper (MT) implants and 31 external hexagon (EH) implants) in 37 patients, and 223 implants were inserted in native bone areas (112 MT and 111 EH implants) in 76 patients. Peri-implant clinical analyses were performed (bleeding on probing, probing depth, clinical insertion level, peri-implant marginal level, and the presence of mobility or suppuration), and the radiographic bone level was evaluated.

RESULTS

Two implants were lost, yielding a survival rate of 99.35%. The MT implants had lower probing depths and peri-implant bone levels than the EH implants in both grafted areas and native bone areas (P<0.05). No statistically significant differences in any parameter evaluated were found between implants inserted in native bone and those inserted in grafting areas. EH implants inserted in native bone areas showed higher peri-implantitis rates.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded that the MT implants connection reduce peri-implant bone loss, but implants inserted in maxillary sinuses previously grafted with osteoconductive biomaterials do not predispose patients to peri-implant bone loss.