Clinical and radiographic evaluation of sinus floor augmentation utilizing irradiated cancellous bone allograft, using sinus-lift balloon system: A Six Months study

BACKGROUND: The posterior maxillary segment frequently suffers from insufficient bone mass to support dental implants. Current bone augmentation methods, including the lateral maxillary approach (hinge osteotomy) and sinus elevation by osteotome, have many shortcomings. The purpose of the present study is to present data on the clinical and radiological outcomes of sinus floor elevation procedure, performed using the Sinus-lift balloon system (Zimmer Dental) followed by bone augmentation utilizing irradiated human cancellous bone allograft (Rocky Mountain Tissue Bank, Denver, Co). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of nine systemically healthy patients (10 sites), 8 males and 1 female, within the age group of 25-60 years requiring maxillary sinus augmentation for implant placement were selected for the study. Pre-operative diagnostic evaluation was done using OPG. Sinus lift procedure was done under local anesthesia using the Sinus-lift balloon system (Zimmer Dental), yielding > 10 mm of sinus membrane elevation. Augmentation of the sinus was done utilizing the Irradiated Cancellous Bone Allograft (Rocky Mountain Tissue Bank, Denver, Co). Post operative radiographic assessment of vertical bone gain was done using OPG at 3 months and 6 months follow-up period. Implant fixation was planned after six months of sinus augmentation. Statistical analysis of the results was done using Paired t Test. RESULTS: Clinically, no complications were observed during or after the surgical procedure. All patients healed uneventfully with no signs and symptoms of maxillary sinus pathology, observed during the six months period following surgery. There was a significant increase in the mean bone height (MBH) post operatively at the 3 months follow-up period. At the point A, the MBH increased by 2.3mm, at the point B and C there was an increase of 3.2mm, and 1.8mm respectively, which consistently increased during the 6 months follow up period (point A- 2.7mm, point B- 3.34 mm, point C-2mm) so as to allow implant placement later. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that: 1. This minimally invasive antral membrane balloon elevation (MIAMBE) procedure using Sinus-lift balloon system yielded satisfactory bone augmentation results, while eliminating the complications and discomfort associated with the traditional lateral window technique. 2. Particulate Irradiated cancellous bone allograft (Rocky Mountain Tissue Bank, Denver, Co) augmentation resulted in being bio-compatible and seemed to improve new bone formation in sinus grafting. It can be used as a substitute for autogenous grafts in sinus augmentation procedures. However, further controlled clinical trials with large sample size should be executed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this technique compared to other sinus augmentation procedures