Objectives: The aim of this histomorphometric prospective study was to ascertain the efficacy of phycogenic bone substitute in an augmented sinus. The process of graft healing, bone remodeling, and biomaterial replacement was examined.
Material and methods: The phycogenic material (fluorohydroxyapatite) made from calcium-encrusted sea algae was used for the sinus lifts. Twenty-four procedures were carried out (one-stage and two-stage equally) and 45 titanium stepped-screw implants were placed. The patients were followed for 12-23 months. In intervals of 6, 9, 12, or 15 months after the sinus lift, 24 graft specimens were taken with a trephine bur. These specimens were examined histomorphometrically.
Results: The grafting material was gradually resorbed and replaced by newly formed bone. Between the sixth and 15th month after the sinus lift, the percentage of newly formed bone grew linearly (from 15.5+/-9.6% to 40.8+/-15.3%) and the percentage of bone substitute decreased linearly (from 34.5+/-8.6% to 13+/-9.6%). After 15 months, the density of trabeculae in grafted bone corresponded to cancellous bone of good quality; however, the bone substitute was not completely resorbed during this period. No significant difference between the quality of the newly formed bone in the cases of the one- and two-stage sinus lifts was found.
Conclusion: Sinus lift carried out with phycogenic bone substitute was shown to be an effective method with limited invasiveness and a high survival rate of implants (97.8%).