A Novel Dental Implant Approach for Crestal Sinus Elevation: A Case Series Study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing sinus membrane elevation via a minimally invasive crestal approach utilizing the dental implant. Material and methods Twenty patients having one or more missing posterior teeth were included. The maxillary sinus membrane was elevated using a dental implant via a crestal approach in areas with insufficient residual bone. CBCT scans were used to measure the amount of newly formed bone, implant length inside the sinus, bucco-palatal sinus width, and bone thickness. Surgical and post-surgical complications, along with implant survival, were also measured. Results The mean (±SD) values for the newly formed bone after one year were 2.4 (±1.87) mm, while values for implant length inside the sinus were 4 (±1.49) mm. The results showed that the percentage of implant length inside the sinus and the palatal bone thickness were statistically significant positive predictors of the newly formed bone. The higher percentage of implant length inside the sinus and increased palatal bone thickness were associated with more significant amounts of newly formed bone. High patient satisfaction was reported, along with a 100% implant survival. Conclusions Using the novel dental implant approach for crestal sinus elevation demonstrated predictable clinical and radiographic outcomes. This novel technique is simple for both patients and clinicians, rendering it a promising and cost-efficient procedure.