Graftless maxillary sinus lift using lateral window approach: a systematic review

The aim was to determine the survival rate of dental implants installed in the posterior region of the maxilla after a graftless maxillary sinus lift via the lateral window approach and to identify the factors involved in the results. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was done on MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Scopus, and Science Direct up to June 2016; additional studies were identified through an analysis of references. Primary studies in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French were included; the selection and data extraction process was conducted by 2 investigators independently, and the methodological quality was evaluated by means of the Effective Public Health Practice Project’s Quality Assessment Tool. Results: The combined search identified 232 articles. After the selection process, 11 articles were identified, 9 of which were prospective and 2 were retrospective. In all of them, the graftless maxillary sinus lift was done with the immediate installation of the implant. All the studies included presented a low methodological quality. The mean survival rate of the implants was 97% with an average new intrasinus bone formation of 6.2 mm. Conclusion: This technique has a high implant survival although it is not possible to identify its correct indication and contraindication.