Histological outcomes on the development of new space-making devices for maxillary sinus floor augmentation.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have pointed out that the mere elevation of the maxillary sinus membrane promotes bone formation without the use of augmentation materials.


OBJECTIVE
This experimental study aimed at evaluating if the two-stage procedure for sinus floor augmentation could benefit from the use of a space-making device in order to increase the bone volume to enable later implant installation with good primary stability.


METHODS
Six male tufted capuchin primates (Cebus apella) were subjected to extraction of the three premolars and the first molar on both sides of the maxilla to create an edentulous area. The sinuses were opened using the lateral bone-wall window technique, and the membrane was elevated. One resorbable space-making device was inserted in each maxillary sinus, and the bone window was returned in place. The animals were euthanatized after 6 months, and biopsy blocks containing the whole maxillary sinus and surrounding soft tissues were prepared for ground sections.


RESULTS
The histological examination of the specimens showed bone formation in contact with both the schneiderian membrane and the device in most cases even when the device was displaced. The process of bone formation indicates that this technique is potentially useful for two-stage sinus floor augmentation. The lack of stabilization of the device within the sinus demands further improvement of space-makers for predictable bone augmentation.


CONCLUSIONS
It is concluded that (1) the device used in this study did not trigger any important inflammatory reaction; (2) when the sinus membrane was elevated, bone formation was a constant finding; and (3) an ideal space-making device should be stable and elevate the membrane to ensure a maintained connection between the membrane and the secluded space.
Cricchio
Giovanni
G
Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Umeå University, Sweden. giovanni.cricchio@odont.umu.se
Palma
Vinicious Canavarros
VC
Faria
Paolo E P
PE
de Olivera
José Americo
JA
Lundgren
Stefan
S
Sennerby
Lars
L
Salata
Luiz A
LA
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000818:Animals; D002428:Cebus; D020007:Implants, Experimental; D008297:Male; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000601:surgery*; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000502:physiology*; D010012:Osteogenesis; D059546:Sinus Floor Augmentation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods