Purpose: In cases of advanced maxillary sinus atrophy of the bone (pneumatization), the sinus floor has to be augmented in order to obtain acceptable bone volume for implantation. The objective of the present study is to evaluate a new procedure and device, designed as a closed sinus lift using a dedicated dental implant that allows for Schneiderian membrane elevation and the placement of a flowable bone replacement graft.
Materials and methods: Eighteen patients (8 males, 10 females) underwent 23 procedures. All procedures were completed successfully, with elevation of the sinus membrane and insertion of bone graft and the dental implant at the planned site. No membrane tears were noted. No intraoperative or postoperative adverse events were observed in any of the cases. There were no postprocedural emergency or distress calls.
Results: The patients' average age was 52 (range 38-72). The mean residual alveolar ridge height was 5.5 mm (range 4.0-7.0). The average bone gain was 11.2 mm (range 9-13) after an average healing period of 8.7 months (range 6.7-13.1). All implants achieved clinical stability and prosthetic rehabilitation was uneventful.
Conclusions: A closed sinus floor elevation procedure can be accomplished using a dedicated dental implant that allows for hydraulic elevation of the Schneiderian membrane and placement of a flowable bone replacement graft and dental implant placement all at the same time with minimal patient discomfort.
Keywords: bone grafting; crestal; implant; minimally invasive; sinus lift procedure.
© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.