Maxillary sinus reconstruction with calvarium bone grafts and endosseous implants

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Implantology
• Bone Grafting Techniques

Background:

• Maxillary sinus augmentation is crucial for dental implant placement in atrophic posterior maxillae.
• Autogenous bone grafts are a common choice, with calvarium bone offering unique advantages.
• Evaluating the long-term outcomes of calvarium grafts in sinus augmentation is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the survival rate of dental implants placed in maxillary sinuses augmented with autogenous calvarium bone grafts.
• To evaluate the feasibility, complications, morbidity, and patient satisfaction associated with this augmentation technique.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-nine maxillary sinuses in 58 patients underwent augmentation with calvarium grafts.
• 223 dental implants were placed 3-11 months post-grafting, with over 1 year of prosthetic loading.
• Bone levels were measured preoperatively, post-grafting, and 1 year after prosthetic loading.

Main Results:

• Successful graft healing occurred in 97.4% of sinuses; only 2.6% experienced graft loss.
• All placed implants integrated successfully, with a 100% survival rate for fixed prostheses after 1 year.
• Minimal crestal bone loss (≤2.5 mm) was observed in 6% of implants, with stable bone levels throughout follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Autogenous calvarium bone provides high-quality and quantity graft material for maxillary sinus augmentation.
• Implants placed in sinuses augmented with calvarium grafts show excellent survival and long-term stability.
• The technique is feasible, with satisfactory results, no implant failures, and maintained bone and prosthesis survival.