Effects of sinus membrane elevation on bone formation around implants placed in the maxillary sinus cavity: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the amount of augmented bone tissue formed in the maxillary sinus after sinus membrane elevation and the simultaneous insertion of titanium implants without additional grafting material.

STUDY

DESIGN

An implant was placed bilaterally in the maxillary sinus of 6 adult female mongrel dogs in such a way that it protruded 4 mm or 8 mm into the maxillary sinus after sinus membrane elevation. The implants were left in place for 6 months.

RESULTS

The mean height of newly formed bone in the sinus was 3.3 mm on the side with the 4 mm protruding implant and 3.2 mm on the side with the 8 mm protruding implant. There was no difference between the 2 sides regarding new bone height in the sinus (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that the length of implant protrusion into the sinus cavity after sinus membrane elevation is not related to the height of new bone in the sinus.