An 8‐Year Retrospective Study: 1,100 Patients Receiving 1,557 Implants Using the Minimally Invasive Hydraulic Sinus Condensing Technique

Abstract

Background: For many clinicians, inadequate alveolar bone height and anatomical features of the maxillary sinus complicate sinus lift procedures and placement of endosseous implants. We present a new internal crestal approach that addresses these issues . Methods: Sinus burs and condensers of increasing width are used in conjunction with pliable atraumatic bone grafting mixture and hydraulic pressure from a surgical handpiece. The risk of a membrane perforation is minimized when the surgeon's tactile skill is administered in a two‐stage process to first loosen and then graft bone particulate under the Schneiderian membrane. Threaded implants can then be placed in the same visit and secured via primary closure . Results: A retrospective investigation of 1,100 cases showed that eight implants failed and 14 required longer healing periods in patients with alveolar ridge heights varying between <1 to 5 mm . Conclusions: Our experience suggests that hydraulic sinus condensing is a predictable and minimally invasive alternative for prosthetic rehabilitation of maxillary anterior and posterior regions in the presence of anatomical restrictions to implant placement . J Periodontol 2005;76:482‐491.