A comparative study of the incidence of Schneiderian membrane perforations during maxillary sinus augmentation with a sonic oscillating handpiece versus a conventional turbine handpiece

Maxillary Sinus Lift Procedures: An Overview of Current Techniques, Presurgical Evaluation, and Complications

A maxillary sinus lift procedure is indicated if a dental implant needs to be placed in the posterior maxilla with limited bone available to accommodate a dental implant. Both open and closed sinus lifting procedures are reliable approaches for increasing the bone volume needed to support proper implant positioning. However, these methods can lead to several complications. In addition to the general complications commonly linked to oral surgery, such as swelling or hematoma, the primary complication in open sinus lifting is typically the perforation of the Schneiderian membrane during osteotomy. Detailed and extensive presurgical evaluation is crucial to minimize such complications. The objective of this study was to delineate contemporary trends in sinus lift surgery, with a specific emphasis on different techniques of sinus lift procedure, anatomical and surgical factors, presurgical evaluation, bone grafting, and the practical implications of these factors in implant dentistry cases involving a deficient posterior maxilla. In conclusion, while both osteotome and lateral window techniques can assist clinicians in addressing the complexities of implant placement in a deficient posterior maxilla, bone height before implantation remains a critical factor in determining the success and longevity of implants.

Complications of sinus floor elevation procedure and management strategies: A systematic review

AIM

This systematic review aimed to investigates the types and incidences of complications following sinus floor elevations (SFE) along with their prevention and management strategies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic database and hand search were conducted to screen the literature published from January 1960 to June 2021. The selected studies had to report well-described SFE techniques, complications during, and post-SFE. Data extraction included types of SFE techniques, complications, and their treatment strategies.

RESULTS

A total of 74 studies with 4411 SFE procedures met the inclusion criteria. Different SFE techniques demonstrated varying patterns for both complications and complication rates. Postoperative pain, swelling, and edema were widely reported. The most common complications that required intervention following Lateral SFE (LSFE) were sinus membrane perforation (SMP), wound dehiscence, graft exposure and failure, and sinusitis. LSFE had more SMPs and sinusitis cases compared with a transcrestal SFE (TSFE). The presence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo following TSFE was significant in certain selected studies.

CONCLUSION

Given the inherent limitations, this systematic review showed distinct features of complications in SFE using varying techniques. Treatment planning for these procedures should incorporate strategies to avoid complication occurrence.

Sinus augmentation procedure via the lateral window technique-Reducing invasiveness and preventing complications: A narrative review

Sinus augmentation has become an integrated surgical phase in posterior maxillary implant prosthesis reconstruction. Since the residual alveolar bony height usually requires additional volume particularly at this anatomical region, sinus floor augmentation is advocated routinely. Over the years, Implant success rate is proved to be comparable to the one in the pristine bone, which is well documented in the literature. Anatomical aspects as well as surgeon skills are at most importance to achieve predictable outcome. In this narrative review, the different osteotomy techniques, the indications toward 1 or 2-stage approaches, the control of the Schneiderian membrane integrity as well as the management of intra- and post-operative complications are thoroughly discussed according the current data. In light of the excellent long-term implant success rate concurrent with the application of contemporary advanced techniques of the sinus augmentation via the lateral wall osteotomy approach, reduce invasiveness and less complication occurrences are well documented. A well-codified patient selection involving the rhinologist as an integral medical team would be significantly beneficial toward early diagnosis. In-depth knowledge of the anatomy, execution of a well standardized surgical technique, and understanding the complication etiology and their management are prerequisites for reducing patient morbidity to minimal discomfort and predictable successful outcome.

Comparative analysis of lateral maxillary sinus augmentation with a xenogeneic bone substitute material in combination with piezosurgical preparation and bony wall repositioning or rotary instrumentation and membrane coverage: a prospective randomized clinical and histological study

OBJECTIVES

The present randomized controlled clinical study aimed to investigate if, in lateral maxillary sinus augmentation, the repositioned bony wall or the application of a collagen membrane results in more preferable new hard tissue formation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients were divided into two study groups. Both groups received a xenogeneic bone substitute material (BSM) during lateral sinus augmentation. In the bony wall group (BW), following piezosurgery, the retrieved bony wall was repositioned. In the collagen membrane group (CM), following rotary instrument preparation, collagen membrane coverage was applied. After 6 months, biopsies were taken to histologically analyze the percentage of BSM, connective tissue (CT), and newly formed bone (NFB) following both approaches.

RESULTS

Forty implants were placed and 29 harvested biopsies could be evaluated. Duration of surgery, membrane perforations, and VAS were detected. Histomorphometrical analysis revealed comparable amounts of all analyzed parameters in both groups in descending order: CT (BW: 39.2 ± 9%, CM: 37,9 ± 8.5%) > BSM (BW: 32.9 ± 6.3%, CM: 31.8 ± 8.8%) > NB (BW: 27.8 ± 11.2%, CM: 30.3 ± 4.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study show that the closure of the access window by means of the retrieved bony wall or a native collagen membrane led to comparable bone augmentation results.

CLINICAL TRIAL

clinicaltrials.gov NCT04811768.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Lateral maxillary sinus augmentation with the application of a xenogeneic BSM in combination with a native collagen membrane for bony window coverage represents a reliable method for surgical reconstruction of the posterior maxilla. Piezosurgery with bony window repositioning delivers comparable outcomes without membrane coverage.

Influence of Anatomical Parameters on the Dimensions of the Subantral Space and Sinus Mucosa Thickening after Sinus Floor Elevation. A Retrospective Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

BACKGROUND

Various anatomical parameters might influence the surgical approach for maxillary sinus floor elevation. The objective of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the influence of anatomical parameters on the dimensions of the subantral space and of the sinus mucosa thickening after sinus floor elevation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy-eight maxillary sinuses in sixty-five patients were evaluated on cone beam computed tomographies taken before surgery and after one week (t1w) and nine months (t9m). Several parameters such as the distance XF between an axis parallel to the base of the nose (X-axes) and the sinus floor (F) were correlated with the height gain (IF) at t1w and t9m and the post-surgical edema.

RESULTS

A weak significant positive correlation was observed between height gain vs. sinus height of interest (XF), the balcony, and the sinus floor angle. The post-surgical edema was influenced by the initial mucosa thickness and the xenograft used.

CONCLUSIONS

Various parameters might affect height gain and sinus mucosa thickening after sinus floor elevation. The height of interest, the balcony, and the sinus floor angle showed significant correlations with height gain. The initial thickness of the mucosa and the biomaterial used influenced the post-surgical edema.

Patient-reported outcomes and complication rates after lateral maxillary sinus floor elevation: a prospective study

Objectives

Oral surgery morbidity is highly variable based on patients’ characteristics and kind of surgical intervention. However, poor data are available in the literature regarding patient outcomes after oral surgery. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate patient-reported outcome and complication rates after maxillary sinus floor elevation.

Materials and methods

Data from the records of patients undergoing maxillary sinus elevation have been collected from a private dental office. Patient-reported outcome has been assessed using a 100-mm visual analog scale to evaluate the post-operative pain (VAS_pain) experienced in the first week following surgery and visual rating scales to evaluate discomfort level (VRS_discomfort: 0 to 4) and willingness to repeat the same surgical procedure (VRS_willingness: 0 to 3). Analgesics intake, swelling onset and duration, and ecchymosis have been also recorded.

Results

VAS_pain showed moderate values in the first 2 days (< 50) post-surgery, with a tendency to progressively decrease over the next 2 days. Average assumption of painkillers was 3.93 ± 3.03. Discomfort level (VRS_discomfort) after surgery was low (median: 1; IR: 1–0), while willingness to undergo the same surgical procedure was very high (77.63% of patients). Swelling and ecchymosis were experienced by 97.36% and 51.32% of patients, respectively, with a mean duration of 4.09 ± 1.43 and 2.21 ± 2.31 days, respectively. Membrane perforation occurred in 4 cases. Other post-operative complications were not observed.

Conclusions

Maxillary sinus grafting is a safe procedure, with a low complication rate and moderate morbidity that is well tolerated by patients. Particular attention is needed in case selection, surgical planning and operator expertise.

Clinical relevance

The analysis of patient-reported outcomes can be of great help in surgical planning and in providing correct and adequate treatment.

Tomographic evaluation of the influence of the placement of a collagen membrane subjacent to the sinus mucosa during maxillary sinus floor augmentation: a randomized clinical trial

Aim

To study the influence of a collagen membrane placed subjacent to the sinus mucosa on the dimensional changes of augmented maxillary sinus floor.

Methods

Twenty patients were recruited in the study and randomly assigned to two groups. After the elevation of the maxillary sinus mucosa, a collagen membrane with standardized dimensions was placed at the test sites subjacent to the sinus mucosa and the elevated space was filled with a xenograft, both at test and control sites. A collagen membrane was then used to cover the antrostomy at both sites, and sutures were applied to close the wounds. Cone beam computed tomographies (CBCTs) were taken for all patients before surgery (T0), after 1 week from sinus floor augmentation (T1), and after 9 months of healing (T2). Dimensional changes over time of soft and hard tissues were evaluated on the CBCTs.

Results

After 1 week of healing, the sinus floor was elevated by 10.0 ± 2.8 mm and 10.6 ± 2.5 mm at the no-membrane and membrane groups, respectively. After 9 months of healing, a similar reduction of the height was observed in both groups, providing a total vertical augmentation of 8.6 ± 2.8 mm at the no-membrane sites and 9.1 ± 3.1 mm at the membrane sites. After 9 months of healing, the hard tissues subjacent to the sinus mucosa appeared to be partially corticalized in three patients in the no-membrane group and in six patients in the membrane group.

Conclusions

The use of collagen membranes subjacent to the sinus mucosa did not influence the dimensional variations of the augmented regions and the clinical outcomes after 9 months of healing also in absence of perforations.

Potential risk factors for maxillary sinus membrane perforation and treatment outcome analysis

BACKGROUND

Most common complication of sinus floor elevation (SFE) is sinus membrane perforation (SMP).

PURPOSE

To investigate the correlation between SMP and potential risk factors and to evaluate SMP treatment outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included patients who had undergone a SFE at Division of Oral Surgery and Orthodontics, Medical University of Graz from 2013 to 2017. Analysis of patients' records and CBCT focused on patient-related risk factors (sinus contours, thickness of membrane and lateral sinus wall, interfering septa, crossing vessels, former oroantral communication) and intervention-related risk factors (surgical approach, sides, number of tooth units, and sites). The outcome of SMP treatment was analyzed in the recalls.

RESULTS

In all, 121 patients underwent 137 SFE. There were 19 cases of SMP (13.9%). Two significant factors were identified: maxillary sinus contours (P = .001) and thickness of the sinus membrane (P = .005). The sinus membrane perforation rate was highest in narrow tapered sinus contours and when the sinus membrane was thinner than 1 mm. Among 19 cases with SMP, no complications were seen upon recall.

CONCLUSIONS

Maxillary sinus contours and sinus membrane thickness seem to be relevant factors for SMP. Sinus membrane perforations were successfully treated by coverage with collagen membrane.

Schneiderian Membrane Perforation Rate and Increase in Bone Temperature During Maxillary Sinus Floor Elevation by Means of Er: YAG Laser-An Animal Study in Pigs

PURPOSE

To assess the time of preparation, bone temperature increase, and the Schneiderian membrane perforation rate during maxillary sinus floor elevation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The research included 30 maxillary sinuses (n = 30) of a pig, divided into 2 groups (n = 15). The lateral bony windows were created using Er:YAG laser (200 mJ, 15 Hz, energy density: 25.48 J/cm) and a diamond bur (control). The membrane was elevated using laser (50 mJ, 50 Hz) and hand instruments. The bone temperature was measured by K-type thermocouple.

RESULTS

Significantly lower rates of the Schneiderian membrane perforation were found in the laser group (6.67%) compared with the bur (33%) (P < 0.05). The significant higher increase in temperature (mean 7.6°C) was found in the experimental group as compared with the control group (mean 2°C) (P = 0.0000033). The average time necessary for the laser bony window osteotomy was 10 minutes and 37 seconds, whereas using the bur required middling 5 minutes and 50 seconds (P = 0.000283).

CONCLUSION

The application of Er:YAG laser may significantly reduce the risk of iatrogenic perforation of the Schneiderian membrane and does not cause an irreversible thermal damage in a pig model.

Membrane perforation rate in lateral maxillary sinus floor augmentation using conventional rotating instruments and piezoelectric device-a meta-analysis

Objectives

Maxillary sinus augmentation (MSA) is a successful and predictable intervention with low complication rates. Perforations of the Schneiderian membrane may occur impairing the general success. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of membrane perforations between conventional rotating instruments and piezoelectric devices in a meta-analysis.

Material and methods

An electronic research on MEDLINE and PubMed database was performed evaluating the literature from 1980 till 2016. Meta-analysis was performed with the studies matching the inclusion criteria. The incidence of perforations between conventional and piezo during the lateral maxillary sinus floor elevation was determined, and forest plots and a t test for significance analysis were performed.

Results

The search provided 377 articles of which 69 could be included. Selected non-randomised and non-controlled prospective and retrospective studies were incorporated. Conventional rotary instruments were associated with a perforation rate of 24%, the piezoelectric devices with 8% with statistically significant difference between both modalities (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Membrane perforations in MSA may be significantly reduced applying piezoelectrical devices for MSA.

Physics and Histologic Evaluation of Rotary, Ultrasonic, and Sonic Instruments

Rotary instruments (RIs) are the most commonly used to perform osteotomies in many fields of medicine. Owing to a new interest in performing a minimally invasive surgery, over last fifteen years new devices have been used in oral surgery such as ultrasonic instruments (UIs) and, lately, sonic instruments (SIs). Nowadays, bone preservation and regeneration are paramount in many clinical situations and, consequently, it is crucial to rely upon instruments, which cause the least tissue damage during the surgery. Concerning SIs, there is still few information about workload to be applied and related temperature increases; furthermore, there are no comparative in-vivo studies, which analyze the thermal and mechanical effects on bone. Thus, SIs have been compared with UIs and RIs in terms of heat generation, operating time, accuracy, and tissue damage. Decalcification and sectioning procedure resulted in no significant differences between the applied instruments in terms of bone damage. RIs resulted more efficient than UIs (P < 0.001), but demonstrated low accuracy (NRS 4.9), whereas SIs (P = 0.005) required more time to perform the osteotomy. The maximum temperature increase occurred in the ultrasonic group. Even though SI were the slowest, they have proved to be the most accurate (NRS 8.4) in comparison with UI (NRS 7.6) and RI (NRS 4.9). Within the limit of this study, sonic instruments could be considered a safe alternative to ultrasonic instruments.

A novel implant system dedicate to hydraulic Schneiderian membrane elevation and simultaneously bone graft augmentation: An up-to 45 months retrospective clinical study

PURPOSE

To evaluate clinical and radiographic performance of a novel implant system that allows for hydraulic Schneiderian membrane elevation and simultaneously bone graft augmentation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-two consecutive patients with a mean age of 53.1 years and a severe atrophy of the posterior maxilla (3.0 to 7.0 mm) underwent 64 transcrestal sinus floor elevations and submerged implant placement. The following clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed: implant failure, any complications and bone gain measured using cone beam computed tomography.

RESULTS

No patient dropped out. No implants failed and all the prostheses were uneventful at the last follow-up examination (mean 23.0 months; range 12-45). All the procedures were completed successfully, with elevation of the sinus membrane and insertion of bone graft and the dental implant at the planned site. No intraoperative or postoperative adverse events were observed, such as membrane tears or facial hematoma. The mean residual alveolar ridge height was 5.2 ± 1 mm (range 3.3-7.0 mm). Mean bone gain was 10.9 ± 2.43 mm (range 5.3-16.5) after an average healing period of 8 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydraulic elevation of the Schneiderian membrane using the iRaise sinus-lift system (Maxillent Ltd) can be considered a valuable treatment option for the rehabilitation of atrophic edentulous posterior maxillae.

Complications when augmenting the posterior maxilla

The maxillary posterior edentulous region presents a challenge when planning for restoring missing teeth with a dental implant. The available bone in such cases is often not dense and not adequate for the placement of a properly sized implant because of maxillary sinus pneumatization and alveolar bone loss. Maxillary sinus lift is a predictable procedure to provide adequate bone height for the purpose of implant placement. However, complications are encountered during or after the execution of the sinus lift procedure. In this article, the prevention and management of maxillary sinus complications are discussed.

The influence of sinus membrane thickness upon membrane perforation during lateral window sinus augmentation

OBJECTIVES

To investigate: (1) sinus membrane thickness in patients receiving lateral window sinus augmentation via cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and (2) the influence of Schneiderian membrane thickness upon membrane perforation during lateral window approach.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 73 subjects with 81 sinus lift procedures between years 2010 and 2013 were recruited consequently. Each patient selected had CBCT images in initial and immediately after surgery. The values and correlation between variables of membrane thickness, perforation rate, membrane morphology, residual bone height, and elevated bone height were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean thickness of the Schneiderian membrane was 1.32 ± 0.87 mm. Perforation rate was lowest (7.14%) when membrane thickness was 1-1.5 mm. As membrane became thicker (≥2 mm) or thinner (<1 mm), the perforation rate increased abruptly. When examined the membrane thickness category, Class B (between ≥1 mm and <2 mm) had the lowest perforation rate. Statistically significant correlation was found between the perforation and the membrane thickness. The amount of the remaining bone height did not significantly correlate to the membrane thickness nor influence the membrane perforation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that membrane thickness was related to the sinus perforation during lateral window sinus augmentation. The perforation rate was lowest when the membrane thickness was 1-1.5 mm.

Use of sonic instruments for implant biopsy retrieval

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate in vitro the quality of dental implant biopsies collected using trephines or a sonic instrument.

METHOD

Sixty implants, 4 mm long and 2.4 mm in diameter, were installed in twelve fresh bovine ribs. Biopsies were collected after using three different methods for retrieval, 20 biopsies representing each group: (A) A trephine used concentrically; (B) a trephine used eccentrically; and (C) a sonic device (Sonosurgery(®) ). The time used for biopsy collection was recorded, and an evaluation of the quality of the biopsies obtained was performed. The specimens were subsequently prepared for ground sections, and tissue-to-implant contact percentages (TIC%) were evaluated in a stereomicroscope.

RESULTS

Time needed for biopsy collection in Groups A and B was between 2 and 3 min, while in C, it amounted to 10-11 min. The differences between Group C and the other two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.00006). Group C showed significantly greater volumes of tissue around the apex of the implants compared with the other two groups (P < 0.027). Groups A and C showed biopsies with higher quality compared with Group B (P < 0.05). Group C presented a higher TIC% compared with the other two groups (P < 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Compared with the use of trephines, the use of a sonic device for harvesting biopsies resulted in higher-quality biopsies and generated smaller residual defects. However, the harvesting was more time-consuming and was limited to one aspect of the implants.

Healing at implant sites prepared conventionally or by means of Sonosurgery ®. An experimental study in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To compare peri-implant tissue healing at implants installed in sites prepared with conventional drills or a sonic device.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In six Beagle dogs, the mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted bilaterally. After 3 months, full-thickness muco-periosteal flaps were elevated and recipient sites were prepared in both sides of the mandible. In the right side (control), the osteotomies were prepared using conventional drills, while, at the left side (test), a sonic device (Sonosurgery(®)) was used. Two implants were installed in each side of the mandible. After 8 weeks of non-submerged healing, biopsies were harvested and ground sections prepared for histological evaluation.

RESULTS

The time consumed for the osteotomies at the test was more than double compared to the conventional control sites. No statistically significant differences were found for any of the histological variables evaluated for hard and soft tissue dimensions. Although not statistically significant, slightly higher mineralized bone-to-implant contact was found at the test (65.4%) compared to the control (58.1) sites.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar healing characteristics in osseointegration and marginal hard tissue remodeling resulted at implants installed into osteotomies prepared with conventional drills or with the sonic instrument (Sonosurgery(®)).