Influence of Lateral Sinus Floor Elevation Procedures on the Pulpal and Periapical Status of Adjacent Vital Teeth

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pulpal and periapical status of vital teeth within the area of a lateral sinus floor elevation (LSFE). The files of patients treated by LSFE between 2009 and 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. The radiographic bone measurements and the periapical status of the teeth adjacent to the LSFE area were evaluated preoperatively and 6 months following the surgery by CBCT. The pulpal status of the adjacent teeth was clinically evaluated using thermal pulp vitality testing. Vital teeth within the sinus floor elevation area were the main inclusion criteria for this study. A total of 158 LSFE procedures were evaluated; 18 cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and 20 adjacent teeth were vital. There were no cases of periapical pathology or loss of pulp vitality. There was a statistically significant difference in the ridge height between the baseline and 6 months postoperatively and in the distance from the apex to the sinus floor between pre- and 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.01).The pulpal and periapical status of vital teeth was not affected following LSFE.