Evaluation of Space-Maintaining Sinus Membrane Using the Absorbable Screws in Sinus Lifting Bone Augmentation

Sinus lift procedures aim to increase bone volume for dental implants, but long-term stability remains uncertain. Prior research has shown that titanium implants provide structural support but lack biodegradability. Absorbable materials are being explored to avoid secondary surgeries. However, the biological activity of these materials during bone regeneration is not fully understood. This gap motivated the investigation of absorbable screws in sinus lift augmentation. No prior work had resolved how UV treatment affects biodegradable screw performance. The study aimed to determine if absorbable screws could maintain space while promoting bone growth. The researchers focused on comparing UV-treated and non-treated absorbable screws against titanium. The study also examined how these materials interact with surrounding bone tissue over time.

The goal was to evaluate whether absorbable screws could maintain space during sinus lift procedures while supporting new bone formation. The researchers wanted to determine if UV treatment of the screws enhanced their biological activity. The study aimed to compare the performance of UV-treated and non-treated absorbable screws with titanium implants. They focused on measuring bone contact and new bone ratio in rabbits. The motivation was to find a biodegradable alternative to titanium that avoids secondary removal surgeries. The study also sought to assess the temporal effects of screw materials on bone regeneration. Histological and micro-CT assessments were planned to track bone formation over weeks. The researchers aimed to identify the most effective material for sinus lift augmentation.

The study used thirty rabbits divided into three groups: uHA/PLLA, UV-uHA/PLLA, and Ti. Each rabbit received two screws implanted into the frontal bone. The screws were made of unsintered hydroxyapatite/poly-L-lactic acid or titanium alloy. Some uHA/PLLA screws were exposed to ultraviolet light. Animals were euthanized at 3 days and 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks post-implantation. Tissue samples were prepared for histological examination to assess bone contact and new bone ratio. BMP-2 cell staining was performed to evaluate biological activity. Micro-computed tomography scans were used to measure bone volume and density. The researchers compared the results across groups at each time point.

At 1, 2, and 3 weeks, the UV-uHA/PLLA group showed significantly higher bone contact and new bone ratio compared to the other groups. Histological analysis revealed greater bone formation around UV-treated screws. Micro-CT scans confirmed significant differences in bone volume between groups at all time points. The UV-uHA/PLLA group consistently outperformed the non-treated and titanium groups. Bone density measurements indicated better integration with UV-treated absorbable screws. No significant differences were observed between titanium and non-treated uHA/PLLA groups. The results suggest that UV treatment enhances the biological activity of absorbable screws. The study demonstrated that absorbable screws can support bone formation during sinus lift procedures.

The authors concluded that absorbable screws can maintain space during sinus lift procedures while promoting new bone formation. UV treatment of uHA/PLLA screws improved their performance compared to non-treated and titanium groups. The study suggests that UV-treated absorbable screws are superior for bone augmentation. The results indicate that UV treatment enhances biological activity and bone contact. The findings support the use of UV-treated uHA/PLLA screws in sinus lift surgery. The researchers propose that this material could replace titanium in certain clinical settings. The study did not claim that UV-treated screws are essential for all sinus lift procedures. The authors suggest further investigation into long-term outcomes and clinical applications.