Allograft for maxillary sinus floor augmentation: a retrospective study of 90 cases

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the clinical applicability and efficacy of an allograft for maxillary sinus augmentations in patients requiring placement of dental implants.

Sixty consecutive patients underwent a total of 90 sinus augmentations. Twenty-nine were women and 31 men, with a mean age of 54 years. Twenty-six patients received a bilateral procedure and 34 unilateral. All cases were treated with the lateral wall technique. Allograft consisted of demineralized freeze-dried blocks in 6 cases, particulate in 82 cases, and a combination of both in 2 cases. In 30 patients, it was combined with platelet-rich plasma. A total of 84 implants were inserted. Bone samples of grafted areas were obtained in two patients for histological examination.

Seventy-three implants were clinically successful at the reentry time. Eleven implants in seven patients were removed between 15 days and 6 months after their placement. Seven of these implants were replaced and received prostheses as well, for an overall postloading success rate of 95.2%. Follow-up for all patients after final restoration was between 12 and 96 months. Specimen's histological evaluation revealed bone formation and evidence of inflammatory infiltrate.

Based on the findings of this study, it can be suggested that the use of the demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft from the Banco de Huesos y Tejidos Fundación Cosme y Damian for sinus augmentation is effective and constitutes a feasible therapeutic alternative for implant placement.