Simulation of sinus floor augmentation with symphysis bone graft using three-dimensional computerized tomography

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Implantology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Sinus lift augmentation is crucial for dental implant placement in the posterior maxilla.
• Harvesting autogenous bone grafts is a common method for sinus floor elevation.
• The mandibular symphysis is a potential donor site for bone grafts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the maximum harvestable bone graft volume from the mandibular symphysis.
• To calculate the bone augmentation volume required for various sinus lift levels (10-18 mm).
• To assess the feasibility of achieving specific sinus lift heights using symphysis bone grafts via 3D CT analysis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D CT scans from 15 adult patients.
• Processed DICOM data using Mimics software (Materialize) with 0.5 mm slice thickness.
• Calculated mandibular symphysis bone graft volumes and sinus lift augmentation volumes on 3D models.

Main Results:

• Average symphysis bone volume was 3491.08 ± 772.12 mm³.
• This volume is typically sufficient for approximately 14 mm of sinus lift height (3167.84 ± 1067.65 mm³).
• 3D CT and software effectively calculated required graft volumes for sinus augmentation.

Conclusions:

• The mandibular symphysis provides adequate bone volume for sinus lift augmentation.
• 3D CT techniques enable precise calculation of graft volume needs and assessment of donor site suitability.
• This study validates the use of the mandibular symphysis as a donor site for achieving significant sinus lift augmentation.