Less Invasive Window Repositioning Technique for Sinus Floor Elevation: A Clinical and Radiographic Study

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Implantology
• Bone Augmentation Techniques

Background:

• Lateral sinus augmentation is crucial for dental implant placement in the posterior maxilla.
• Traditional techniques can be invasive, necessitating exploration of less invasive alternatives.
• Improving the safety and reliability of sinus augmentation procedures is a key clinical goal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and reliability of a less invasive window repositioning technique for lateral sinus augmentation.
• To assess the adequacy of bone augmentation achieved with this technique.
• To compare outcomes in one- and two-implant scenarios with varying window dimensions.

Main Methods:

• A less-invasive window repositioning technique using a piezoelectric saw was employed for lateral sinus floor elevation.
• Adult patients undergoing sinus augmentation were included.
• Augmented bone height and length, along with posthealing outcomes, were evaluated.
• Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and Pearson correlation.

Main Results:

• Fifty sinus floor elevations were performed on 44 subjects, with 66 implants placed.
• The mean augmented bone height was 12.3 mm and bone length was 19.67 mm.
• No correlation was found between window size and augmented bone height or length.
• Perfect window integration was observed posthealing, with no soft tissue ingrowth. Six sinus perforations (12%) occurred during membrane elevation but were managed appropriately.

Conclusions:

• The less-invasive window repositioning technique is feasible, safe, and reliable for sinus augmentation.
• Reducing window dimensions does not negatively impact augmentation adequacy or surgical safety.
• The repositioned window integrates properly, and the technique requires surgical experience and delicate instruments.