Background: Various attempts have been implemented using different materials and techniques to augment the maxillary sinus floor for prospect dental implant positioning.
Aim: This contemplate was conducted to assess the osteogenic capability of the maxillary sinus in a two-step sinus membrane elevation using titanium mesh to keep the formed space to place dental implants in atrophic ridges.
Materials and methods: Titanium micromesh was customized and positioned into the sinus on one side to preserve the elevated membrane in position. On the other side xenograft was applied. Instant and 6-months postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was done to assess the gained bone height and density. Bone core biopsies were obtained during implant placement for histological and histomorphometric evaluation.
Results: The average bone height values increased in both groups. Meanwhile the average bone density value was higher at the graft group than the titanium mesh group. Histological and histomorphometric evaluation presented the average bone volume of the newly formed bone in the graft group which is superior to that of the titanium mesh group.
Conclusion: The use of the titanium micromesh as a space-maintaining device after Schneiderian membrane elevation is a trustworthy technique to elevate the floor of the sinus without grafting.
Keywords: Augmentation; bone; graft; maxillary sinus; titanium mesh.