Abstract: PURPOSE: This study was designed to explore the clinical outcome of implant placed at the time of osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) without grafting in patients with severely resorbed maxillary alveolar bone. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with residual bone height (RBH) less than 5 mm received OSFE without grafting combined with simultaneous implant placement. Thirty-two Straumann?? SLA implants were placed. The patients were recalled 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after surgery and radiographs were taken for assessment of clinical outcomes. RESULTS: All implants were successfully loaded 3-6 months after surgery. One implant was lost after 12 months of functional loading, while the other implants were stable and no complications were observed. The 3-year survival rate of implant was 96.88%. Radiographs at 6-, 12-, 24-, and 36- month demonstrated the endo-sinus bone gain increased constantly during the follow-up period. The endo-sinus bone gain was (3.41±0.42) mm and the marginal bone loss was(1.21±0.46) mm at 36- month. CONCLUSIONS: OSFE without grafting combined with simultaneous implant placement should be considered as a viable technique for use in patients with severely absorbed maxillary alveolar bone.

Key words: Sinus floor elevation, Dental implants, Bone augmentation