Dental Implant Rehabilitation of Posterior Maxillary Edentulism via Sinus Augmentation Using the Lateral Window Technique: A Retrospective Analysis of 289 Implants Followed Up for 15 Years

The aim of this study was to analyze the marginal bone loss and survival of implants in the augmented sinus area via the lateral window approach. The effect of sinus membrane perforation as well as splinting of the upper structure was analyzed. Two hundred and eighty-nine implants were placed in the sinus areas augmented with xenografts and collagen membranes in 101 patients. Clinical and radiographic data were obtained during recall visits. The Marginal Bone Loss (MBL) and Cumulative Survival Rate (CSR) were evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 12.4 years (range: 12 to 182 months). During the follow-up period, 19 implants were lost, yielding a 92.93% survival rate. No significant models for any of the covariates were found in terms of implant survival (<i>p</i> = 0.08). Similarly, no significant differences were observed between intact and perforated sinuses (<i>p</i> = 0.41) or between splinted or single standing implants (<i>p</i> = 0.11). The overall MBL reached 1.80 ± 0.56 mm at 15 years, and no significant differences were detected between any particular years (<i>p</i> = 0.12). Dental implant rehabilitation of the posterior maxilla via sinus augmentation using the lateral window technique is safe, effective and provides a high long-term implant survival with minimal prosthetic complications.