Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Less-Invasive vs. Large Window Designs for Lateral Sinus Floor Elevation: A...

Area of Science:

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

Background:

• Lateral sinus floor elevation (LSFE) is a common procedure for maxillary bone augmentation.
• Traditional large window designs (LWD) can lead to increased patient discomfort and longer recovery times.
• Minimally invasive approaches are sought to improve patient outcomes in regenerative dentistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and safety of a less-invasive window design (LIWD) versus a large window design (LWD) for LSFE.
• To evaluate if LIWD can achieve adequate sinus bone augmentation.
• To assess patient discomfort and procedural safety with LIWD compared to LWD.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled clinical trial involving 60 subjects undergoing LSFE with simultaneous implant placement.
• Comparison between LIWD (n=30) and LWD (n=30) groups.
• Assessment of augmented bone height and length using CBCT, perioperative complications, and patient-reported outcomes (PPOQL).

Main Results:

• No significant differences in augmented bone height or length between LIWD and LWD groups.
• No correlation found between window size and augmented bone volume.
• LIWD group reported significantly less postoperative discomfort (P<0.0001) with similar membrane perforation rates and surgical times.

Conclusions:

• Less-invasive window design (LIWD) is a feasible and safe alternative for LSFE, achieving adequate sinus augmentation.
• Reducing window size does not compromise augmentation outcomes or increase surgical risks.
• LIWD significantly improves patient comfort post-procedure.