Maxillary sinus pneumatization and augmentation: A three-dimensional finite element analysis

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the biomechanical behaviors of maxillary sinus elevation with bone grafts of various heights and widths using three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis. We constructed 27 3D finite element models according to bone graft dimensions for three maxillary sinuses. These models were classified as (i) tapered, (ii) ovoid, and (iii) square. Each maxillary sinus type was analyzed with bone graft heights of 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm and mesiodistal bone graft widths of 8 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm. Different sinus pressure of 100 Pa, 500 Pa, and 1,000 Pa was applied to each aspect of the maxillary sinus. The maximum von Mises (max-VM) stress for each bone graft model was highest in the square group. The bone graft’s max-VM stress was decreased while increasing bone graft height from 3 to 9 mm in the tapered and square groups. In the ovoid group, the max-VM stress of all bone graft models decreased when the bone graft height increased from 3 to 6 mm. Thus 6 mm is the most appropriate bone graft height for all types of maxillary sinus elevation.