Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term changes in the vertical bone
height after sinus augmentation and simultaneous implant placement.
Patients and Method: Twenty-nine patients had received a sinus floor elevation with
simultaneously inserted implants. The sinus floor elevation was performed through a lateral
window osteotomy. The implant sites were prepared using the conventional drilling technique. The
vertical bone height was measured from immediately, 6 months, 1 year and 5 years postoperative
radiographs.
Results: A significant reduction of vertical bone height occurred during the first 12 months
after which the resorption rate slow down and bone height eventually became stable (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Sinus augmented sites showed a radiographic reduction of the vertical height over
the first year and minimal changes had been observed in the 5-year period following maxillary sinus
floor elevation.