Transcrestal Sinus Lift Using Platelet Concentrates in Association to Short Implant Placement: A Retrospective Study of Augmented Bone Height Remodeling

Background: No evidence has been reported yet about dimensional changes in maxillary sinuses grafted with autologous platelet concentrate. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the augmented height alterations around short implants (length <= 8.5 mm) placed after transcrestal sinus lift surgery in association with plasma rich in growth factors. Materials and Methods: A retrospective design was used. Patients with atrophic posterior maxilla were treated by inserting short implants in combination with transalveolar maxillary sinus floor augmentation. Radiographic bone level alterations over time were assessed on panoramic radiographs. Results: Transalveolar sinus augmentation was performed to place 41 implants in 26 patients with a residual bone height of 4.7+/-1.3 mm. The alveolar bone height was increased by 3.7+/-1.7 mm and 4.2+/-2.0 mm after 12+/-3 months and 35+/-11 months of surgery, respectively, whereas the apical augmented height (beyond the implant) apex was stable around 34 implants during the follow-up. It was increasing around seven implants that were not covered by the endo-sinus augmented height at the 1-year follow-up. Conclusions:: Transalveolar sinus floor augmentation in association with plasma rich in growth factors and short implants resulted in a stable augmented height gain after 3 years follow-up. Atrophic posterior maxilla could be treated by transalveolar sinus lift in association with plasma rich in growth factors and the placement of short implants.