# 1st Global Consensus for Clinical Guidelines for the Rehabilitation of the Edentulous Maxilla: A Single‐Round Survey on Sinus Lift and Alveolar Bone Augmentation Techniques

## TL;DR

This study gathered expert opinions on treating patients with missing upper jaw bones, focusing on procedures like sinus lifts to guide future clinical practices.

## Contribution

The study presents a global expert consensus on rehabilitation techniques for the edentulous maxilla using a single-round survey.

## Key findings

- 44 out of 94 statements reached consensus among experts.
- 4 statements achieved strong consensus, emphasizing key outcomes for future research.
- Experts strongly agreed on evaluating surgical, prosthetic, and biological complications.

## Abstract

The objective of this survey study was to collect expert insights on the rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla involving adjunctive procedures such as sinus lifts and other bone augmentation techniques. This process aimed to support the development of a consensus and contribute to the formulation of clinical practice guidelines for the management of the edentulous maxilla.

In preparation for the 1st Global Consensus for Clinical Guidelines for the rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla, a structured questionnaire was developed. The survey was administered online anonymously in a single round. It consisted of multiple‐choice items and 94 7‐point Likert‐scale statements and questions. Consensus was defined as >75% and ≤95% agreement or disagreement, and strong consensus as >95% agreement or disagreement.

Of the 217 experts invited from 43 countries, 116 successfully completed the questionnaire via the survey link, resulting in a response rate of 53.5%. Among the 94 statements and questions, 44 (46.8%) reached consensus and 4 (4.3%) strong consensus. All statements that achieved strong consensus pertained to key clinician‐reported outcomes considered essential for inclusion in future research. There was strong agreement on the importance of evaluating surgical, prosthetic, and biological complications, along with marginal bone loss.

This study collected valuable expert opinions to inform a consensus development process and contribute to the formulation of clinical practice guidelines for the management of the edentulous maxilla in complex cases requiring additional augmentation procedures.