Titanium Granules for Augmentation of the Maxillary Sinus - A Multicenter Study.

Area of Science:

• Oral surgery
• Biomaterials science
• Dental implantology

Background:

• Biomaterials are essential for maxillary sinus floor augmentation before or during dental implant placement.
• Porous titanium granules (PTGs) are emerging as a material for stabilizing implants and promoting osteoconduction in oral surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and efficacy of porous titanium granules (PTGs) for sinus floor augmentation in a diverse patient and surgeon population.
• To evaluate the 12-month survival rate of dental implants placed in conjunction with PTG augmentation.
• To obtain histological data on bone ingrowth within the augmented sinus floor.

Main Methods:

• A multi-center study involving 40 subjects with posterior maxillary atrophy.
• A single-stage surgical procedure combining PTG sinus floor augmentation with dental implant placement.
• Inclusion of 70 dental implants across five study centers.

Main Results:

• The study achieved a high implant survival rate, with only one immobile implant removed.
• Minimal mean marginal bone loss of 0.5 mm (mesial) and 0.8 mm (distal) was observed.
• Histological analysis of biopsies confirmed significant bone ingrowth into the porous titanium granules.

Conclusions:

• Porous titanium granules (PTGs) demonstrate safety and effectiveness as a sinus floor augmentation material.
• The use of PTGs in a one-stage procedure with dental implants is a viable treatment option.
• Histological evidence supports the osteoconductive properties of PTGs in sinus augmentation.