Maxillary sinus augmentation by crestal access: a retrospective study on cavity size and outcome correlation

Objective Cone‐beam computed tomography ( CBCT ) and radiographic outcomes of crestal sinus elevation, performed using mineralized human bone allograft, were analyzed to correlate results with maxillary sinus size. Material and methods A total of 60 sinus augmentations in 60 patients, with initial bone ≤5 mm, were performed. Digital radiographs were taken at surgical implant placement time up to post‐prosthetic loading follow‐up (12–72 months), when CBCT evaluation was carried out. Marginal bone loss ( MBL ) was radiographically analyzed at 6 months and follow‐up time post‐loading. Sinus size ( BPD ), implant distance from palatal ( PID ) and buccal wall ( BID ), and absence of bone coverage of implant (intra‐sinus bone loss – IBL ) were evaluated and statistically evaluated by ANOVA and linear regression analyses. Results MBL increased as a function of time. MBL at final follow‐up was statistically associated with MBL at 6 months. A statistically significant correlation of IBL with wall distance and of IBL /mm with time was identified with greater values in wide sinuses ( WS  ≥ 13.27 mm) than in narrow sinuses ( NS  < 13.27 mm). Conclusions This study is the first quantitative and statistically significant confirmation that crestal technique with residual ridge height <5 mm is more appropriate and predictable, in terms of intra‐sinus bone coverage, in narrow than in WS .