Anatomical preconditions for the palatal sinus floor augmentation—A three-dimensional feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Implantology
• Anatomical Studies

Background:

• Sinus floor augmentation is a common procedure in dental implantology.
• The palatal approach offers an alternative surgical route for augmentation.
• Understanding anatomical feasibility is crucial for surgical success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anatomical feasibility of palatal sinus floor augmentation.
• To determine the prevalence of optimal anatomical conditions for this procedure.

Main Methods:

• Computed tomography (CT) scans of 400 maxillary sinuses (200 patients) were analyzed.
• Patients were categorized into four groups based on remaining alveolar bone height (0-4mm, 4-8mm, 8-12mm, ≥12mm).
• Anatomical parameters for palatal augmentation feasibility were assessed.

Main Results:

• Optimal conditions for palatal augmentation were found in 93.6% of sinuses with ≤4mm alveolar height.
• Feasibility decreased significantly with increased alveolar height (73.7% in 4-8mm, 23.5% in 8-12mm, 5.4% in ≥12mm).
• Limitations include insufficient height and excessive palatal bone thickness.

Conclusions:

• The palatal approach is anatomically feasible in a high percentage of patients with up to 4mm of remaining alveolar bone.
• Surgical planning must consider alveolar bone height and palatal bone thickness.
• This approach can be a valuable alternative in select patient populations.