Early postoperative reactions following lateral sinus floor elevation using piezosurgery: A radiographic study

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Regenerative Dentistry
• Implantology

Background:

• Postoperative reactions are common after lateral sinus floor elevation (LSFE).
• Understanding early changes is crucial for patient management and treatment success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To radiographically describe, quantify, and measure early postoperative changes within the grafted maxillary sinus area following LSFE.
• To assess the incidence and severity of inflammation, edema, and air bubbles post-LSFE.

Main Methods:

• 31 LSFE procedures were performed on 24 patients using piezosurgery and bioceramic grafts.
• Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken preoperatively and at days 1, 2, 3, 7, and 6 months postoperatively.
• Measurements included membrane thickness, swelling ratio, submucosal edema, and air bubble dimensions; inflammation was graded.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in membrane thickness, swelling ratio, and submucosal edema were observed from day 1 to day 7.
• Inflammation (mild, moderate, or severe) was present in all cases at early time points and increased with time.
• Apical air bubbles were noted in 19 cases; no inflammatory signs were present at the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Inflammatory reactions are consistently observed after LSFE, intensifying over the first week.
• All measured inflammatory changes and associated edema significantly subsided by the 6-month mark, suggesting complete resolution.