Efficacy of platelet rich plasma in sinus lift augmentation

The present study aims to evaluate and analyze the efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) with hydroxyapatite crystals for maxillary sinus augmentation procedures. A comparative study of 10 patients with a mean average age of 35 years with less than 5 mm of residual alveolar bone was conducted. Six patients underwent Lateral sinus lift procedure with allografts (platelet rich plasma and hydroxyappatite crystals) and four patients underwent the same procedure but with autografts (symphyseal). Follow-up for a period of 3 years was done. The patients were assessed for postoperative pain, sinusitis, oro-antral communication, epistaxis, graft rejection, infection and potential loss of bone and teeth. During the 3 years period of follow-up there were no complications recorded. A mean post-operative augmented height of 15 mm was achieved in all the patients. Maxillary sinus lift procedure using a mixture of hydroxyapatite crystals and platelet rich plasma was found to be very effective in increasing the height of residual alveolar bone when compared to the use of autografts alone.