A prospective randomized controlled trial of two-window versus solo-window technique by lateral sinus floor elevation in atrophic posterior maxilla: Results from a 1-year observational phase.

BACKGROUND

Implant failures are more common when multiple missing posterior teeth need lateral sinus floor elevation owing to inadequate tissue maturation after grafting. Effects of lateral window dimensions on vital bone formation have rarely been compared.

PURPOSE: To compare endo-sinus bone formation between two- and solo-window techniques to rehabilitate multiple missing posterior teeth that need substantial augmentation.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with severely atrophic posterior maxilla were randomized to receive lateral sinus floor elevation via solo or two bony windows. Bone core specimens harvested from lateral aspect of the augmentation sites were histomorphometrically analyzed. Proportions of mineralized bone (MB), bone substitute materials (BS), and nonmineralized tissue (NMT) were quantified.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients underwent 23 maxillary sinus augmentations. One patient in each group dropped out during the follow-up period. Lateral window dimensions were 81.65 ± 4.59 and 118.04 ± 19.53 mm2 in the test and control groups, respectively. Histomorphometric analysis revealed mean MB of 42.32% ± 13.07% and 26.00% ± 15.23%, BS of 40.34% ± 9.52% and 60.03% ± 10.13%, and NMT of 18.14% ± 14.24% and 14.75% ± 10.38% in test and control groups, respectively, with significant differences.

CONCLUSION

The two-window technique could facilitate faster maturation and consolidation of the grafted volume and is an effective alternative for rehabilitation of severely atrophic posterior maxilla with multiple missing posterior teeth.