Sinus membrane lift using a water balloon followed by bone grafting and implant placement: a 28-case report.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a minimally invasive sinus lift using an inflatable water balloon followed by bone grafting and implant placement.


METHODS
A total of 28 patients with a single tooth missing in the posterior maxilla underwent a water balloon sinus lift, followed by bone grafting and implant placement. Baseline bone height was 4.92 +/- 1.24 mm. Implant site preparation employed a pilot drill and osteotomy followed by water balloon elevation. The mean inflated balloon volume was 0.67 +/- 0.17 mL. Bio-Oss was filled under the elevated sinus membrane using a dedicated instrument. Twenty-eight total implants (diameter: 3.8 to 5.0 mm) were placed. Pre- and postoperative panoramic films or computed tomographs (optional) were taken for every case to measure and compare the results of the sinus membrane lift using a water balloon. Postoperative patient reactions including swelling, discoloration, discomfort, hematomas, and disability were recorded.


RESULTS
Successful sinus membrane water balloon lifting procedures were performed in 26 cases; two procedures were aborted due to sinus membrane perforation. A total of 26 implants were placed. The mean inflated balloon volume was 0.67 +/- 0.17 mL and radiographic examination showed the mean elevated height by balloon to be 10.9 +/- 2.06 mm. Computed tomography showed the bone graft distributing evenly around implants. Patients were extremely pleased with the results and needed very little medical attention after surgery. The mean follow-up was 15.9 +/- 2.94 months. One implant was lost due to infection.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of a water balloon to elevate the sinus membrane is a truly minimally invasive technique and is associated with very little discomfort. This method has encouraging results, is easy to learn, and is associated with low complication rates.
Hu
Xiulian
X
Department of Implant Dentistry, Peking University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, PR China.
Lin
Ye
Y
Metzmacher
Arnulf-Reimar
AR
Zhang
Yu
Y
D000328:Adult; D000540:Alveolar Ridge Augmentation / Q000379:methods*; D001857:Bone Matrix / Q000637:transplantation; D018786:Bone Substitutes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods; D019250:Dental Implants, Single-Tooth; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D008903:Minerals / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000295:instrumentation; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D012449:Safety; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
C077540:Bio-Oss; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D008903:Minerals