Evaluating Vitality and Periodontal Sensitivity of Teeth Adjacent to the Site of Open Sinus Lift Surgery before and after Treatment: A Case Series Study.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of open sinus lift surgery on dental vitality and periodontal sensitivity of teeth adjacent to a surgery area. Forty-one patients undergoing open sinus lift surgery were evaluated for dental vitality and periodontal sensitivity of adjacent teeth. Dental vitality was evaluated using an electric pulp tester and cold spray. Periodontal sensitivity of teeth in the surgery area of open sinus lift was evaluated by interview and visual analogue scale before surgery and one, three, and six weeks after surgery. In order to increase the validity of the study, one healthy tooth was considered as a control. In the experimental group, differences in periodontal sensitivity were significant between the four measured times (P < 0.001). Pretreatment compared with three weeks posttreatment, pretreatment compared with one week posttreatment, six weeks posttreatment compared with one week posttreatment, and three weeks posttreatment compared with one week posttreatment showed significant differences (P = 0.001). In the control group, the periodontal sensitivity between the four measured times did not differ significantly (P = 0.421). In the experimental group, pulpal sensitivity was significant between the four measured times (P = 0.019). It was found that the test and control groups showed significant differences in pretreatment versus six weeks posttreatment and one week posttreatment versus three weeks posttreatment (P < 0.001). Pulse sensitivity significantly changed after open sinus lift surgery, making it clear that the surgery may lead to necrosis of adjacent teeth. However, further research is needed. Also, teeth in area of the surgery may be periodontally affected, but will undergo recovery.