Maxillary Sinus Functions and Complications with Lateral Window and Osteotome Sinus Floor Elevation Procedures

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate retrospectively maxillary sinus functions and complications by using generally accepted diagnostic criteria with lateral window and osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) procedures followed by dental implants placement. Materials and methods: A group of 60 patients in whom a SFE with the two procedures (lateral window and OSFE) followed by dental implants placement had been performed were evaluated retrospectively for sinus functions and complications from the time of procedure up to 24 months using a questionnaire, conventional clinical and radiographic examination. Results: Number of patients suffered dizziness accompanied by nausea immediately after OSFE was more than the lateral window procedure and the symptoms disappeared within 2 to 4 weeks. Maxillary sinus membrane perforations occurred and small for 4 out of 79 procedures, two cases for OSFE and two for lateral window procedure had been repaired. No more complications had been detected for all the patients up to 24 months. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, SFE with lateral window and osteotome procedures followed by dental implants placement did not interfere with maxillary sinus function and no obvious complications had been detected up to 24 months. Clinical significance: The clinician performs SFE with either lateral window or osteotome procedures needs to understand the difficulties and morbidity arising in the event of complications and must be able to correctly judge the individual risk and the presence of modifying factors that may cause these complications.