Radiographic Study of Transcrestal Sinus Floor Elevation Using Osseodensification Technique with Graft Material: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the level of implant success after transcrestal sinus floor elevation (tSFE) using the osseodensification technique (OD) combined with beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) by analyzing clinical and radiographic results. Moreover, the increase in bone height was analyzed immediately after surgery, 3 months after, and before loading by taking standardized radiographic measurements. Thirteen patients, four males and nine females, with a mean age of 54.69 ± 5.86 years, requiring the placement of one implant in the upper posterior maxilla, with a residual bone height of p < 0.05). The results of the study indicated a 100% implant success rate after a follow-up period of twelve months. Preoperative main bone height was 5.70 ± 0.95 mm. The osseodensification technique allowed a significant increase of 6.65 ± 1.06 mm immediately after surgery. After a twelve-month follow-up, a graft material contraction of 0.90 ± 0.49 mm was observed. No correlation was observed between the bone height at the different times of the study and the primary stability of the implant. Considering the limitations of the size sample of this study, the osseodensification technique used for transcrestal sinus lift with the additional bone graft material (β-TCP) may provide a predictable elevation of the maxillary sinus floor, allowing simultaneous implant insertion with adequate stability irrespective of bone height limitations.

Keywords

• atrophic maxilla
• sinus augmentation
• bone regeneration
• dental implant
• maxillary sinus
• minimally invasive