Minimally invasive transcrestal sinus floor elevation with graft biomaterials. A randomized clinical trial

Objectives: The present study was performed to comparatively evaluate the effectiveness and post-operative morbidity of transcrestal sinus floor elevation (tSFE) performed with a minimally invasive procedure (Smart Lift technique) combined with the additional use of two graft biomaterials. Methods: Thirty sites in 30 patients were randomly assigned to tSFE in association with either deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) (n = 15) or synthetic hydroxyapatite in a collagen matrix (S-HA) (n = 15). In both groups, the extent of the sinus lift (SL) and the height of the graft apical to the implant apex (aGH) were assessed on periapical radiographs taken immediately after surgery and at 6 months following surgery. Surgical and post-surgical complications as well post-surgical pain and discomfort were also assessed. Results: The results of the study indicated that (i) immediately post-surgery, both DBBM and S-HA resulted in substantial SL and aGH, which were maintained at 6 months, (ii) greater aGH and SL were observed in S-HA group compared with DBBM group at 6 months post-surgery and (iii) limited surgical complications and post-operative pain/discomfort were associated with the use of both graft biomaterials. Conclusions: The Smart Lift technique in conjunction with the additional use of either S-HA or DBBM may provide a predictable elevation of the maxillary sinus floor along with limited post-surgical complications and post-operative pain/discomfort. SL and aGH were significantly greater at 6 months for S-HA than DBBM.