Effects of Stabilization of the Sinus Membrane by Dental Implant Insertion and Membrane Suturing on Endo-Sinus Bone Gain in Cases of Lateral Sinus Lift Performed Without Graft Material.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of membrane stabilization by suturing the sinus membrane and dental implant insertion on endo-sinus bone formation in lateral sinus lifting performed without grafting. Maxillary sinus lift surgery using the lateral approach was performed bilaterally in 30 New Zealand white rabbits. The maxillary sinus areas were divided into control and test groups. In the control group, a titanium screw was placed after sinus membrane elevation, while in the test group, the sinus membrane was sutured to the lateral walls and a titanium screw was placed in the center of the alveolar crest. The animals were sacrificed at 4 and 8 weeks. Samples were collected, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis was performed. The volume of newly formed bone, percentage of osseointegration, sinus volume, residual bone height, and protrusion length of the implants were measured using micro-CT analysis. The sinus volume, volume of newly formed bone, and percentage of osseointegration in the test group were significantly higher than those in the control group at 4 weeks (p = 0.01, p = 0.04, p = 0.02, respectively) While the volume of newly formed bone was 17.1 ± 3.08 mm3 in the control group, it was 26.9 ± 14.26 mm3 in the test group at 4 weeks. The volume of newly formed bone was significantly decreased from 26.9 ± 14.26 mm3 to 17 ± 3.66 mm3 at 8 weeks (p = 0.02). No significant difference in residual bone height was found at 4 and 8 weeks (p = 0.07). No significant difference in implant protrusion length was found between the control and test groups (p = 0.18). Protrusion length and new bone formation in the sinus showed a negative relationship (p = 0.01). Suturing the sinus membrane to the lateral sinus wall is an effective approach for increasing osseointegration, bone volume, and sinus volume in the short-term. A slow-absorbing suture material can be used to maintain sinus and bone volumes in the long-term.