Evaluation of three-dimensional changes after sinus floor augmentation with different grafting materials

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Dental Implantology

Background:

• Maxillary sinus floor augmentation is a common procedure for dental implant placement.
• Graft material dimensional stability is crucial for successful outcomes.
• Limited data exists on volumetric changes of various grafting materials post-augmentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively assess the dimensional stability of different grafting materials used in maxillary sinus floor augmentation.
• To quantify volumetric changes using computed tomography (CT) scans.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 16 patients undergoing maxillary sinus lift procedures.
• Two postoperative CT scans (early and >6 months) were used for volumetric analysis.
• 25 maxillary sinuses were augmented with various materials via lateral antrostomy.

Main Results:

• A mean graft volume reduction of approximately 26% was observed.
• Initial mean augmented bone volume was 3.02 cm³, decreasing to 2.28 cm³ at follow-up.
• Significant shrinkage in graft volume was detected between early and late postoperative scans.

Conclusions:

• Graft volume significantly reduces after maxillary sinus augmentation.
• The study highlights the need for further prospective research on different bone graft materials.
• Evaluating quantitative changes is essential for optimizing long-term implant stability.