title: Simultaneous sinus-lift and implantation using microthreaded implants and leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin as sole grafting material: a six-year experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the relevance of simultaneous sinus-lift and implantation with leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF, Choukroun's technique) as sole subsinus filling material.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-three lateral sinus elevations (SA4 sinus) were performed on 20 patients with simultaneous implant placement. Seven patients were treated with 19 Astra implants (AstraTech, Mölndal, Sweden) and 13 patients with 33 Intra-Lock implants (Intra-Lock Ossean, Boca Raton, FL). L-PRF membranes were used to cover the Schneiderian membrane, the implant tips served as "tent pegs" for the L-PRF-patched sinus membranes, and the subsinus cavity was finally filled with L-PRF clots. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was performed just after implant placement, after 6 months, 1 year and each following year.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six months after surgery, all implants were clinically stable during abutment tightening. The maximum follow-up was 6 years, and all patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. No implant was lost during this 6-year experience, and the vertical bone gain was always substantial, between 8.5 and 12 mm bone gain (10.4 ± 1.2). The final level of the new sinus floor was always in continuation with the implant apical end, and the periimplant crestal bone height was stable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of L-PRF as sole filling material during simultaneous sinus-lift and implantation seems to be a reliable surgical option promoting natural bone regeneration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Odontostomatological and Maxillofacial Sciences, University Federico II of Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Simonpieri
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Choukroun
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Del Corso
authors.forename: Gilberto
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sammartino
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Dohan Ehrenfest
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D000540:Alveolar Ridge Augmentation / Q000379:methods*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000502:physiology*; D001861:Bone Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D000044:Dental Abutments; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D015921:Dental Implants; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D017268:Dental Prosthesis Retention; D005260:Female; D005337:Fibrin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery*; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000601:surgery*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008875:Middle Aged; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D016348:Osseointegration / Q000502:physiology; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants; D006490:Hemostatics; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D005337:Fibrin