IMPORTANCE OF BONE-GRAFT QUALITY FOR IMPLANT INTEGRATION AFTER MAXILLARY SINUS RECONSTRUCTION

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine whether bone quality , as assessed by osteometry and histologic parameters, can be used to predict implant integration in conjunction with maxillary sinus recons truction. Study design. Twelve patients with severely atrophied maxill ary alveolar processes were treated through use of a two-stage surgica l reconstructive strategy with implant placement 4 months after bone g rafting. Bone biopsy specimens taken from the iliac crest peroperative ly and from the sinus inlay sites 1, 2, 4, 6, or 12 months postoperati vely were analyzed by light microscopy and osteomorphometry. Bone mine ral content was measured by osteometry. Results. Osteometric and osteo morphometric data (trabecular bone volume [%], assessment of chromatin staining, and an osteocyte index) registered for the biopsy specimens were not statistically correlated with implant failure. Conclusions. Prognostic evaluation of implant survival is difficult. The tested met hods did not contribute to the improvement of guidelines for the clini cal handling of these patients.