Two-Step Progressive Transcrestal Sinus Augmentation Using a 4.5 mm Unloaded Implant as a “Temporary Implant” in Highly Atrophic Ridge: Case Report

Abstract: Severe atrophic posterior maxillary ridge (residual bone height < 3 mm) could be a challenging situation to place dental implants. Several treatment options have been proposed, but some of them may require advanced surgical skills to achieve best results. In this article, we present a novel and easier technique to allow implant placing in localized areas of severe atrophy. In a first step, a 4.5-length extra-short (unloaded) implant is placed after a transcrestal maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA). After the gained apical bone consolidation, this “temporary implant” is atraumatically removed and a longer and wider definitive implant is placed to support the definitive single restoration. The case of a 45-year-old female treated with this approach is also presented. The patient suffered a severe resorption in the upper right molar area after a tooth extraction. Four months after the “temporary implant” placement and MSFA grafting with plasma rich in growth factors and autologous bone, 3 mm of dense apical bone gain could be observed. In a second surgical time, the 4.5 mm-length “temporary implant” was removed, and a 5.5 mm-length “definitive implant” was placed. This second implant was placed in a denser type 1 (1,000 Hounsfield Unit) new formed apical bone. Four months later, the implant was loaded with a screw-retained crown over a transepithelial (intermediate abutment). After 1-year follow-up, the implant was in health and no mechanical or biological complications were noticed. The satisfactory results of this case encourage the realization of new studies to elucidate its reproducibility.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Two-Step Progressive Transcrestal Sinus Augmentation Using a 4.5 mm Unloaded Implant as a “Temporary Implant” in Highly Atrophic Ridge: Case Report ; day:25 ; month:01 ; year:2023 ; European journal of dentistry ; (25.01.2023)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Contributor: Anitua, Eduardo

Further information

• DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755557
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2023030911122908485951
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:59 AM CEST