Allograft for maxillary sinus floor augmentation: a retrospective study of 90 cases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the clinical applicability and efficacy of an allograft for maxillary sinus augmentations in patients requiring placement of dental implants.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients underwent a total of 90 sinus augmentations. Twenty-nine were women and 31 men, with a mean age of 54 years. Twenty-six patients received a bilateral procedure and 34 unilateral. All cases were treated with the lateral wall technique. Allograft consisted of demineralized freeze-dried blocks in 6 cases, particulate in 82 cases, and a combination of both in 2 cases. In 30 patients, it was combined with platelet-rich plasma. A total of 84 implants were inserted. Bone samples of grafted areas were obtained in two patients for histological examination.

RESULTS: Seventy-three implants were clinically successful at the reentry time. Eleven implants in seven patients were removed between 15 days and 6 months after their placement. Seven of these implants were replaced and received prostheses as well, for an overall postloading success rate of 95.2%. Follow-up for all patients after final restoration was between 12 and 96 months. Specimen's histological evaluation revealed bone formation and evidence of inflammatory infiltrate.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of this study, it can be suggested that the use of the demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft from the Banco de Huesos y Tejidos Fundación Cosme y Damian for sinus augmentation is effective and constitutes a feasible therapeutic alternative for implant placement.