A clinical study of 406 sinus augmentations with 100% anorganic bovine bone

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the use of anorganic bovine bone (ABB) associated with a collagen membrane (CM) for a sinus graft by means of clinical, histologic, and radiographic parameters in cases with bone availability < or =7 mm. A preliminary evaluation consisted of a clinical examination, computed tomography (CT), and a panoramic x-ray.

Ninety-two patients requiring bilateral sinus grafts and 222 requiring unilateral procedures (total: 406 sinuses) participated in this study. A total of 1,025 implants were placed in the grafted sinuses. A total of 118 implants were placed simultaneously with the sinus graft (one stage), and 907 implants were placed in a subsequent surgery (two stages), 6 to 12 months after the graft was performed. In seven cases, a biopsy was harvested for histomorphometric analysis. Recall appointments were scheduled every 6 months, and panoramic and periapical x-rays were required every year for 3 years.

Among 1,025 implants, 19 were lost (survival rate: 98.1%). The difference in survival rates for implants placed in native bone < or =3 mm (98.1%), >3 to < or =5 mm (98.6%), and >5 to < or =7 mm (97.0%) was not statistically significant (P = 0.3408). The survival rates for implants with rough and machined surfaces (98.6% and 97.0%, respectively) were not statistically significant (P = 0.0840). The histomorphometric analysis showed new bone formation (39.0% +/- 12%), marrow space (52.9% +/- 9.3%), and residual ABB (8% +/- 2.7%).

Our results indicated that 1,025 implants placed in sinuses grafted exclusively with ABB combined with CM led to an excellent and predictable survival rate of 98.1%.