Comparison of 2 crestal sinus floor lift techniques performed on human cadavers.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of 2 different techniques to lift the maxillary sinus floor through a crestal approach on fresh human cadaver heads: the Intralift technique using Piezosurgery and the Summers technique using osteotomy.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Two different protocols were simulated on 11 fresh human cadaver heads or 22 maxillary sinuses. Inclusion criteria were: bilateral edentulous maxilla with a residual ridge height between 3 and 9 mm. CT scans were performed before and after surgery on all fresh cadaver heads. Both Intralift and Summers techniques were performed on the same maxilla on the 2 sinuses. The surgical procedure was performed by 2 independent operators, 1 experienced and 1 novice to compare the 2 results. The parameters assessed were the procedure duration and the sinus membrane preservation.

RESULTS

The procedure duration was shorter when the operator was more experienced (P = 0.03). There was a correlation between the operator dexterity and the time required for surgery. The Intralift technique seemed safer for sinus membrane preservation.

CONCLUSION

The Intralift technique is an interesting alternative to the Summers technique.