One-stage maxillary sinus elevation using a bone core containing a preosseointegrated implant from the mandibular symphysis

Abstract

This report presents a novel surgical approach of a one-stage maxillary sinus elevation using a bone core containing a preosseointegrated implant harvested from the mandibular symphysis. As a result, the elevation of the floor of the maxillary sinus and the placement of the implant were achieved at the same time, and the required healing time was significantly reduced. Three months after placement of the implant in the symphysis, a bone core containing the implant was retrieved using a trephine. The bone core was placed in the resorbed posterior maxillary ridge, thereby elevating the maxillary sinus floor. The bone core containing the implant was allowed to heal for 5 months, after which the implant was restored and followed up for 30 months. This technique represents a surgical modification intended to avoid the conventional two-step sinus elevation surgery in which the surgical procedure of graft placement is followed by surgical implant placement. This approach requires significantly reduced healing time and provides an increased bone quality around the implant, which is of clinical importance, particularly in the posterior maxilla.