Maxillary sinus floor elevation and grafting with deproteinized bovine bone mineral: a clinical and histomorphometric study.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the histomorphometric and clinical outcomes of maxillary sinus floor elevation using deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Maxillary sinuses with a residual vertical height of <5 mm were augmented with DBBM alone before implant placement 9 months later. At the time of implant surgery, trephine samples were removed and histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed to examine the percentage of bone and residual graft using point counting and software-aided analysis. Patients were recalled for clinical and radiographic examination up to 3 years later.

RESULTS: Twenty-five patient specimens were analysed. The percentages of regenerated bone and residual graft material were 19% and 40%, respectively. Software-aided analysis was comparable to point counting. Twelve patients attended for clinical follow-up. Implants placed into this regenerated bone exhibited success and survival rates of 100% after an average follow-up of 3 years. The average vertical height gained was 7.9 mm.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of DBBM alone in maxillary sinus floor elevation is a predictable method to gain vertical bone height in the posterior maxilla.