Conventional versus endoscopic-assisted crestal sinus lifting with simultaneous implant placement: a comparative...

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Implantology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Crestal approach sinus lifting is crucial for posterior maxilla bone augmentation.
• Membrane perforation is a common complication during sinus elevation.
• Minimally invasive techniques are sought to improve sinus lift outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and safety of endoscopic-assisted versus conventional crestal sinus lifting.
• To evaluate membrane perforation rates, surgical time, and bone density changes.
• To assess the potential of endoscopic visualization in enhancing surgical predictability.

Main Methods:

• Twenty patients with 4-7 mm residual bone height were randomized into two groups.
• Group 1: Conventional crestal approach; Group 2: Endoscopic-assisted crestal approach.
• Bone grafting with xenograft-PRF mix followed by implant placement; membrane integrity monitored endoscopically.

Main Results:

• Membrane perforation rates were 33% (conventional) vs. 10% (endoscopic-assisted).
• Surgical time was significantly longer in the endoscopic group (27.3 min vs. 15.4 min).
• Bone density increased significantly in both groups, with endoscopic-assisted approach showing improved precision.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic-assisted crestal sinus lifting enhances visualization and assessment of membrane integrity.
• This technique may improve safety and predictability, reducing complications like membrane perforation.
• Benefits must be balanced against increased surgical time and potential costs.