MAXILLARY SINUS AUGMENTATION BYGRAFT-FREE TWO-STAGE SINUS LIFT USING TITANIUM BONE FIXATION DEVICE AND IMPLANTS

Introduction: Maxillarysinus lift combined with implant placement without grafting allows bone formation in the sinus. However, bone volume in severely atrophic maxilla is often insufficient to ensure initial stability of implants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of maxillary sinus augmentation by graft-free two-stage sinus lift using titanium bone fixation device and implants. Materials and Methods: Maxillary sinus lift was performed in 7 sinuses of 6 patients with atrophic posterior maxilla by two-stage sinus lift without grafts. The first sinus lift was performed by a lateral approach using bone fixation device, and second by a crystal approach with implants. Alveolar crest height (ACH) after first and second sinus lift was evaluated radiographically,and implant survival were recorded. Results: The mean preoperative ACH was 3.4 ± 1.3 mm (range, 1.5 - 4.8 mm). After first sinus lift mean postoperative ACH was 7.3 ± 1.5 mm (range, 3.5 ? 9.5 mm). A total of 13 implants were placed in maxillary alveolar crest after first sinus lift, and mean postoperative ACH after second sinus lift with implant placement was 9.4 ± 0.8 mm (range, 8.0 - 11.0 mm). The implant survival rate was 100%. Conclusions: New bone can be generated in space adequately maintained under the elevated sinus membrane, and repeated elevation of the sinus membrane increases the bone volume.