Radiographic outcomes of transcrestal sinus floor elevation performed with a minimally invasive technique in smoker and non-smoker patients

Objectives To evaluate the association between smoking status and the outcomes of transcrestal sinus floor elevation (tSFE) performed with a minimally invasive technique (Smart Lift). Methods Forty-five implants were placed in 25 non-smoker (NS) and 20 smoker (S) patients in conjunction with the tSFE procedure. In all cases, an additional graft, chosen among different hydroxyapatite-based or ss-tricalcium phosphate-based biomaterials, was pushed into the sinus by gradual increments. Immediately after surgery, residual bone height, implant penetration into the sinus, extent of sinus lift (SL) and the height of the graft apical to the implant apex (aGH) were assessed on periapical radiographs. At 6months after surgery, SL and aGH were reassessed. Results (i) The Smart Lift procedure resulted in substantial 6-month SL and aGH in both treatment groups; (ii) smoking status did not significantly affect the 6-month radiographic outcomes; (iii) a similarly low incidence of intra- and postoperative complications was observed in NS and S patients. Conclusions Smoking has a limited impact on the outcomes of tSFE performed with the Smart Lift technique.