Evaluation of new bone formation after sinus augmentation with two different methods.

The sinus infiltration technique for sinus floor elevation and simultaneous implant placement has been used successfully when a reduced vertical height is available in the posterior maxilla. However, the effect of the quantity of graft material and the volume of the solution used on the volume of new bone formed has not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the new bone formation after sinus augmentation using either the lateral sinus lift or sinus infiltration technique and to determine any correlation with the volume of bone grafting material used. Further, the volume of solution used in the sinus infiltration technique was also assessed. Twenty healthy adults (13 women, seven men) were randomized to two groups, each undergoing one of the two techniques. Quantitative aspects and the space lifted in the sinus floor were analyzed using Simplant Pro Crystal software. No correlation was found between the volume of bone created in the sinus floor and the volume of bone grafting material used for the sinus infiltration technique or the lateral sinus lift. A strong correlation was found between the volume of liquid used in the sinus infiltration technique and the new volume created in the sinus floor.