Activated Plasma Albumin Gel (APAG) in Transalveolar Technique for Maxillary Sinus Lift: A Case Series

Abstract

Over the past 20 years, transalveolar techniques have progressively improved. They have become increasingly predictable and reliable, with the additional advantage of simplified procedures that are less operator dependent. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a new technique to lift the maxillary sinus through a transalveolar approach, Simple Minimal Safe (SMS), with use of activated plasma albumin gel (APAG). A total of 33 patients (22 female and 11 male), aged between 36 and 79, were consecutively operated on, with 44 implants positioned using the SMS technique. All were placed in the premolar or molar areas of the maxillary bone. No implant was lost during the follow-up period (6 months) and all implants were then prosthetically loaded. The average bone gain was 4.43 mm. In the first quadrant, sites 15, 16 and 17 were involved with an average bone gain of 3.5 mm, 4.6 mm and 4.5 mm, respectively. In the second quadrant the sites 24, 25, 26 and 27 were involved with an average bone gain of 4.25 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.4 mm and 4.5 mm, respectively. Analyzing the data considering the sex, implants in women had an average gain of 4.66 mm, while in men the average gain was 3.83 mm. With the SMS technique, we achieved a reduction in post-operatory morbidity and in the frequency of Schneiderian membrane perforation. In conclusion, maxillary sinus augmentation via the transalveolar approach has become a more predictable surgical procedure and an easier technique due to less operator-dependent processes.

Keywords

• mini sinus-lift
• maxillary sinus-lift
• dental implant
• APAG
• concentrated grow factor
• transalveolar technique