The sinus floor elevation procedures have been used to facilitate implant placement in the severely atrophic posterior maxilla. Many variables may have an influence on the outcomes of the sinus floor elevation in combination with implant treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze survival rate of implants placed in the edentulous maxillae of patients in whom sinus floor elevation was undertaken according to variables.

It consisted of 96 patients(50 male and 46 female), ranging in age from 31 to 70 years(mean 49 years), who underwent sinus floor elevation procedure(94 implants in left side and 106 implants in right side) from 2001 to 2002. A total of 200 implants were placed in the grafted sinus(73 implants in lateral approach and 127 implants in crestal approach). All implants were restored by fixed prosthesis. All patients were healthy. Follow-up periods for implants were between 48 to 60 months.

The cumulative survival rate of implants was 91.5%. Gender, age and operation site did not have an influence on the survival rate. There was statistically significant differences for the implants which placed in less than 4 or 5 mm residual bone height, the survival rate was 60%, 81.4% respectively (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference of implants survival rate according to approach technique. The survival rate for 100% autogenous bone grafts was lower with respect to composite grafts containing autogenous bone and 100% substitutes. The survival rate for hydroxyapatite-coated implants was statistically significant lower than other textured group (p<0.05).

Residual bone height, surface texture and graft materials have an influence on the survival rate. To use autogenous bone as a part of a composite bone replacement, implant texture which leads to more favorable implant-bone interface were necessary. To determine residual bone height for initial implant stability was important.