Osteotome-Mediated Sinus Floor Elevation With or Without a Grafting Material: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Long-term Studies (≥5-Years)

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis of no difference in the long-term treatment outcome after osteotome-mediated sinus floor elevation with or without a grafting material.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE search in combination with a hand-search of relevant journals was conducted, including human studies published in English from January 1, 1986 to December 1, 2017.

RESULTS: One comparative and 7 noncomparative studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Survival of suprastructures had never been compared within the same study. Meta-analysis demonstrated an overall estimated patient-based implant survival of 94%. Gain in vertical alveolar bone height was similar with the 2 treatment modalities. Noncomparative studies demonstrated high long-term survival rate of suprastructures and implants with the 2 treatment modalities, as well as limited periimplant marginal bone loss.

CONCLUSION: High long-term implant survival was demonstrated after osteotome-mediated sinus floor elevation with or without a grafting material. However, long-term randomized controlled trials comparing the 2 treatment modalities are sparse. Hence, conclusions drawn from this systematic review should be interpreted with caution.