Sinus Membrane Elevation by the Crestal Approach Using a Novel Drilling System.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing sinus membrane elevation by a minimally invasive crestal approach using a novel drilling system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2008 to November 2009, 21 implants were placed in 19 patients (10 men and 9 women) ranging from 23 to 69 years of age (average of 49.5 years). Implants were placed in maxillary premolar and molar areas that demonstrated insufficient residual bone quality; maxillary sinus membrane elevation was performed using a crestal approach with the sinus crestal approach kit (Neobiotech, Seoul, Korea). RESULTS: There was no sinus perforation or osseointegration failure. The implant survival rate was 100%. The postsurgical, augmented volume of the alveolar height ranged from 2 to 9.2 mm (average of 5.81 ± 2.06 mm). Six months after maxillary sinus elevation, the bone reduction volume ranged from 0.06 to 1.42 mm (average of 0.6 ± 0.38 mm). At final F/U, the amount of bone-height reduction ranged from 0.06 to 2.60 mm (average of 0.82 ± 0.63 mm). CONCLUSION: Sinus membrane elevation by the crestal approach using special reamers is advantageous because of the noticeable reduction in the risk of perforation and the ability to perform the surgery rapidly.