Predictive Factors for Maxillary Sinus Augmentation Outcomes: A Case Series Analysis

Aim: To determine the influence of different local and systemic factors on histologic, histomorphometric, and radiographic outcomes after maxillary sinus augmentation. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two sinus augmentation procedures were performed. Grafting material consisted of a mixture of anorganic bovine bone (ABB) and autogenous bone. After 6 months, bone core biopsies were harvested from implant sites for histologic and histomorphometric analyses. Data regarding age, gender, type of edentulism, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, and history of periodontal disease were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results: Histomorphometric analyses revealed the presence of 35.75% +/- 16.42% of vital bone, 40.56% +/- 16.23% of nonmineralized tissue, and 23.69% +/- 18.23% of residual ABB particles. Radiographic vertical bone resorption inversely correlated with residual ABB. A significant difference in bone resorption patterns was observed for completely edentulous patients and for those with a history of periodontitis. Tobacco and alcohol negatively influenced vital bone formation after sinus augmentation. Implant and prostheses survival after 2 years of functional loading was not directly affected by patient's individual habits. Conclusion: Certain patient-related variables such as history of periodontitis, type of edentulism, or smoking/drinking habits play an important role in bone graft maturation after maxillary sinus floor elevation. (Implant Dent 2012;21:433-440)