Optimized beagle model for maxillary sinus floor augmentation via a mini-lateral window with simultaneous implant...

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Regenerative Dentistry
• Animal Models in Research

Background:

• Maxillary sinus floor augmentation is crucial for dental implant success in atrophic maxillae.
• Minimally invasive techniques are sought to reduce surgical morbidity and improve outcomes.
• Developing reliable animal models is essential for pre-clinical evaluation of surgical procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an optimized beagle model for maxillary sinus floor augmentation.
• To evaluate a mini-lateral window approach with simultaneous implant placement.
• To assess the feasibility and outcomes of this minimally invasive technique.

Main Methods:

• Twelve beagles underwent maxillary sinus floor augmentation using a mini-lateral window approach.
• Implant sites were selected based on preoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis.
• The procedure involved a 5 mm osteotomy, avoiding tooth extraction and infraorbital nerve severing.

Main Results:

• The optimal surgical site was identified at the maxillary fourth premolar.
• All implants demonstrated good primary stability.
• Postoperative CBCT confirmed no sinus membrane perforation and successful bone augmentation around implants.

Conclusions:

• The optimized beagle model facilitates minimally invasive maxillary sinus floor augmentation.
• The mini-lateral window technique preserves lateral bone and yields effective sinus lifting.
• This reproducible model shows promise for wider application in pre-clinical research.