Long-term stability of autologous bone graft of intraoral origin after lateral sinus floor elevation with simultaneous implant placement

Background: Lateral approach to maxillary sinus floor elevation (LSFE) with autologous bone grafts and simultaneous implant insertion is a widespread technique for prosthetic rehabilitation of the atrophic maxilla. Purpose: To analyze implant survival and autologous bone graft resorption after LSFE, in patients with at least 5 years follow-up. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three patients (mean age 56 years, range 46-68 years) who had undergone LSFE with intraoral autologous bone graft from mandibular ramus and simultaneous implant insertion were included. A minimum of 5 years of follow-up was required. The total peri-implant bone height was measured at mesial and distal aspects of the implants immediately after surgery (T0) and after a period ranging from 5 to 11.5 years after surgery (mean 7.65 ± 1.80 years) (T1) on digital panoramic and periapical radiographs. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test was used to compare bone graft height at T0 and T1. The influence of patient-, surgery-, and implant-related factors on the outcomes was investigated. Results: Of the 58 implants placed, no one was lost. All prostheses were in function, and no biological or mechanical complications occurred. The residual ridge height at the involved sites averaged 6.48 ± 1.72 mm. The mean bone height at grafted regions was 12.05 ± 2.47 mm at T0 and 12.13 ± 2.39 mm at T1 (not statistically significant). Marginal bone level change at T1 averaged −1.22 ± 1.60 mm. None of the evaluated factors significantly affected the results. Conclusion: Autologous bone grafts from intraoral donor sites display excellent volume stability over time that may contribute to optimal outcomes of the procedure.