TREATING THE ATROPHIC POSTERIOR MAXILLA BY COMBINING SHORT IMPLANTS WITH MINIMALLY INVASIVE OSTEOTOME PROCEDURES

Edentulous sites in the posterior maxilla are often compromised by reduced bone volume, prohibiting the placement of 10-mm implants without sinus augmentation. The use of shorter implants minimizes the need for more extensive sinus floor elevation, thus reducing treatment duration and morbidity. Two implant designs are presented in combination with localized internal sinus floor elevation to restore the posterior maxilla. This simplified treatment modality can make implant rehabilitation of the atrophic posterior maxilla more accessible and more palatable to even the most reluctant patients and referring doctors. Learning Objectives: This article presents a series of cases in which two types of short implants are used to minimize or avoid sinus augmentation in cases with reduced subantral bone volume. Upon reading this article, the reader should: • Become familiar with the clinical indications and techniques for the placement of short implants in the posterior maxilla. • Realize the practical and clinical benefits this more conservative treatment approach offers.