Minimally invasive antral membrane balloon elevation: report of 36 procedures.

BACKGROUND

The posterior maxillary segment frequently has insufficient bone mass to support dental implants. This registry evaluated the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive antral membrane balloon elevation (MIAMBE), followed by bone augmentation and implant fixation.

METHODS

Thirty-six consecutive patients referred for posterior maxillary bone augmentation underwent alveolar crest exposure and implant osteotomy followed by MIAMBE (> 10 mm). Fibrin and bone particles were injected beneath the antral membrane, implants were placed into the osteotomies, and primary closure was executed at the same sitting.

RESULTS

All 36 patients successfully concluded the procedure with no significant procedural complications or discomfort. Procedure time was 48 +/- 15 minutes. Incremental bone height consistently exceeded 8 mm, and implant survival of 97% was observed at 6 to 8 months.

CONCLUSIONS

MIAMBE resulted in high procedural success and satisfactory bone augmentation implant survival and complication rates. Because it is minimally invasive, this procedure may be an alternative to the currently used surgical methods.