Radiographic outcomes of sinus floor elevation performed with a minimally-invasive technique

Objectives: to evaluate the radiographic outcomes of transcrestal sinus floor elevation (tSFE), when performed with a minimally-invasive technique (Smart Lift), and their association with patient-related factors as well as site-specific characteristics. Methods: tSFE was performed either with or without additional use of a graft biomaterial at 74 edentulous sites in 70 patients. In all cases, implants (length≥ 8 mm) were placed concomitantly. Extent of sinus lift (SL) and the height of the graft apical to the implant apex (aGH) were assessed on periapical radiographs immediately after surgery and at 6 months after surgery. Results: SL and aGH were 6.5 mm (IR: 5.4-7.6) and 2.5 mm (IR: 1.5-3.0), respectively, immediately after surgery, and shifted to 6.3 mm (IR: 5.5-7.2) and 2.3 mm (IR: 1.5-3.0), respectively, at 6 months post-surgery. Age, gender and smoking status were not associated with 6-month SL and aGH. 6-month SL was ≥ 5 mm in 80% of the patients and was negatively correlated with RBH (p< 0.01, R2= 0.19). The amount of aGH was not influenced by the extent of antral implant penetration. Conclusions: Smart Lift is a valuable technique for tSFE procedures. A predictable, substantial displacement of the sinus floor was observed at 6 months post-surgery. The outcomes of tSFE procedures performed with the Smart Lift technique, as radiographically assessed, seem to be influenced by site-specific characteristics rather than patient-related factors.