RESUMO
PURPOSE: To investigate the value of using con-beam computer tomography (CBCT) to evaluate bone volume in the edentulous area of posterior maxilla, and guide sinus floor elevation. METHODS: Twenty eight patients who planed to receive dental implant in the posterior maxilla underwent CBCT scan. After analysis of residual bone height, 19 patients with 5-10 mm bone height below the sinus floor underwent transcrestal sinus floor elevation, while 7 patients with less than 5 mm bone height below the sinus floor underwent lateral window sinus floor elevation. The treatment outcomes were assessed postoperatively. RESULTS: CBCT detected bone deficiency in the posterior maxillary alveolar bone in 26 patients, mucus cyst of maxillary sinus in 1 patient and sinus septa in 2 patients. Nineteen patients underwent transcrestal sinus floor elevation, and 7 patients underwent lateral window sinus floor elevation. All patients completed final dental restorations, and the restorations achieved satisfactory function and esthetic. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT imaging plays an important role in determining bone quality in posterior maxilla and guiding sinus floor elevation. Supported by Social Undertakings Technological Innovation and Demonstration Program of Nantong City (HS2011035).