Learning Curve of a Minimally Invasive Technique for Transcrestal Sinus Floor Elevation: A Split-Group Analysis in a Prospective Case Series With Multiple Clinicians.

Abstract

To assess the learning curve of a minimally invasive procedure for maxillary sinus floor elevation with a transcrestal approach (tSFE) and evaluate the influence of clinician's experience in implant surgery on its outcomes. Patients were treated by clinicians with different levels of experience in implant surgery and inexperienced with respect to the investigated tSFE technique. The initial (n = 13) and final (n = 13) groups treated by the expert clinician were compared for tSFE outcomes. Additionally, the high, moderate, and low groups (n = 20 each) treated by the expert, moderately experienced, and low experienced clinician, respectively, were compared. (1) No significant differences in clinical and radiographic outcomes were observed between initial and final groups; (2) high, moderate, and low groups showed substantial vertical augmentation in limited operation time with treatment outcomes being influenced by the level of experience in implant surgery. The investigated technique allows for a substantial vertical augmentation at limited operation times when used by different clinicians. The extent of sinus lift (as radiographically assessed) seems to be influenced by the clinician's level of experience in implant dentistry.