Predictive factors for insertion torque values in transalveolar sinus lift procedures

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Implantology
• Bone Regeneration

Background:

• Transalveolar sinus lift procedures are crucial for maxillary augmentation.
• Utilizing threaded bone expanders without bone graft materials offers a simplified approach.
• Understanding factors influencing implant stability is essential for successful outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the influence of bone-related factors on insertion torque in transalveolar sinus lifts.
• To identify key predictors of implant stability in this context.
• To analyze the impact of initial bone height, bone diameter, crestal cortical thickness, sinus floor thickness, and imaginary pixel unit.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 113 patients undergoing transalveolar sinus lift with hybrid implants.
• Analysis of pre-operative CBCT scans to measure bone-related factors.
• Statistical analysis including univariate and multivariate linear regression to assess correlations with insertion torque.

Main Results:

• A strong positive correlation was found between insertion torque and imaginary pixel unit (IPU).
• Crestal cortical thickness (CCT) was associated with higher insertion torque values.
• Initial bone height (IBH), bone diameter (BD), and sinus floor thickness (SFT) did not significantly correlate with insertion torque.

Conclusions:

• Cortical bone thickness and imaginary pixel unit are primary determinants of insertion torque in these procedures.
• Sinus floor thickness, initial bone height, and bone diameter do not significantly influence insertion torque.
• These findings aid in optimizing surgical planning for transalveolar sinus lifts using bone expanders.