Objective To introduce a minimally invasive technique of osteotome sinus floor elevation(OSFE) combined with simultaneous short implant placement to treat edentulous posterior maxilla subject to severely insufficient bone height and evaluate its clinical effects in a prospective study. Methods All implants were placed following a one-stage protocol(elevating the sinus floor and placing the implant simultaneously). A total of 14 short implants were placed in the posterior maxilla of 11 patients using trephines. The temporary crowns were fixed six months after the surgery for bite training and soft tissue reformation. The final prostheses were restored three months later. The stability and osseointegration of the implants were clinically evaluated, and the endo-sinus bone gain around the implants was calculated through cone beam computed tomography measurement. Results The mean observation follow-up period was 12 months(with a range of 2 months to 28 months). The survival rate was 100% during the study period. Each of the implants was clinically stable and was successfully loaded without pain or any subjective sensation. No implant had detectable sinus membrane perforation during the operation. Radiographic results demonstrate that the endo-sinus bone gains of the two groups were 5.87 and 5.45 mm. Conclusion Based on the results of the present study, short implant placement in conjunction with the OSFE could yield predictable clinical results for the edentulous posterior maxillary region with the residual bone height of less than 4 mm. The proposed technique represents a feasible modality for the treatment of severely atrophic posterior maxilla. In addition, from the clinical point of view, the proposed technique may reduce indications for complex invasive procedures, avoid bone material graft, and simplify treatment in the posterior.
