Use of a titanium device in lateral sinus floor elevation: an experimental study in monkeys

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Maxillary sinus floor elevation is crucial for dental implant placement.
• Maintaining space for bone regeneration is essential for successful sinus augmentation.
• Novel devices are being explored to support elevated sinus membranes without grafting materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a novel space-maintaining device in promoting bone fill within the maxillary sinus cavity.
• To evaluate bone formation and tissue healing following sinus membrane elevation using a space-maintaining device.
• To determine if the device adequately supports the elevated Schneiderian membrane for bone regeneration.

Main Methods:

• A titanium space-maintaining device was implanted into the maxillary sinus of four monkeys after membrane elevation via lateral antrostomy.
• No grafting material was used; the device aimed to maintain the elevated sinus membrane space.
• Histological analysis of tissue healing and bone formation was performed at 3 and 6 months post-implantation.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in the void space under the elevated membrane was observed at 3 months (56%) and 6 months (40.5%).
• Histological analysis revealed new bone formation (42% at 3 months, 69% at 6 months) and connective tissue (53% at 3 months, 23% at 6 months).
• Device perforation of the sinus mucosa occurred in seven out of eight cases, and tissue shrinkage was noted.

Conclusions:

• New bone formation occurred beneath the space-maintaining device.
• Significant shrinkage of the newly formed tissue was observed at both 3 and 6 months.
• The space-maintaining function of the evaluated titanium device is questionable due to observed tissue shrinkage and device complications.