Maxillary sinus elevation for implant placement using calcium sulfate with and without DFDBA: six cases.

Area of Science:

• Oral Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Maxillary sinus augmentation is crucial for dental implant placement in the posterior maxilla.
• Various bone graft materials are used, but optimal choices remain debated.
• Calcium sulfate and demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) are potential candidates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical and histologic outcomes of using calcium sulfate with and without DFDBA in maxillary sinus lift procedures.
• To assess bone regeneration and implant stability following these augmentation techniques.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 6 patients undergoing maxillary sinus lift surgery.
• Surgical sites were augmented with either sterile calcium sulfate alone or in combination with DFDBA.
• Bone biopsies were harvested between 6 and 24 months post-surgery for histologic analysis.
• Dental implants were placed either immediately or after a 6-month healing period.

Main Results:

• Histologic examination revealed significant bone formation in all samples.
• Remnants of DFDBA were observed within the newly regenerated bone in combined group.
• All placed implants demonstrated primary stability, regardless of the grafting material used.
• No significant complications were reported during the follow-up period.

Conclusions:

• Calcium sulfate is a viable bone substitute for maxillary sinus augmentation, usable alone or combined with DFDBA.
• The combination of calcium sulfate and DFDBA promotes successful bone regeneration for dental implant placement.
• DFDBA residues within newly formed bone do not appear to compromise implant success.