Osteotome-mediated sinus floor elevation using only platelet-rich fibrin: an early report on 110 patients.

PURPOSE: This article describes a technique and reports on the early healing for localized sinus augmentation using a crestal approach in combination with an autologous leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) concentrate.

MATERIALS: From November 2008 to January 2010, 138 implants were placed in 110 patients using osteotome-mediated sinus floor elevation (OMSFE) with PRF.

RESULTS: The mean residual subantral bone height of the alveolar ridge was 6.6 mm (range, 4-8 mm). The mean increase in the height of implant sites by OMSFE/PRF was 3.4 mm (range, 2.5-5 mm). A variety of 8- to 11.5-mm long (mean length, 10.1 mm) and 3.5- to 6-mm wide (mean width, 4.4 mm) screw-type implants were used. Of the 138 implants that had been placed, 97 have been restored and in function for an average loading time of 5.2 months (range, 1-11 months). The mean healing time for the loaded implants was 4 months until abutment insertion (range, 3-5 months). Three implants failed before loading for an early survival rate of both loaded and unloaded implants of 97.8%.

CONCLUSIONS: Early review of the OMSFE/PRF technique presented for localized sinus floor elevation and implant placement demonstrates a high degree of safety and success at sites with 5- to 8-mm residual subantral bone height.