Sinus Membrane Elevation by the Crestal Approach Using a Novel Drilling System.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing sinus membrane elevation by a minimally invasive crestal approach using a novel drilling system. MATERIALS AND METHODS From May 2008 to November 2009, 21 implants were placed in 19 patients (10 men and 9 women) ranging from 23 to 69 years of age (average of 49.5 years). Implants were placed in maxillary premolar and molar areas that demonstrated insufficient residual bone quality; maxillary sinus membrane elevation was performed using a crestal approach with the sinus crestal approach kit (Neobiotech, Seoul, Korea). RESULTS There was no sinus perforation or osseointegration failure. The implant survival rate was 100%. The postsurgical, augmented volume of the alveolar height ranged from 2 to 9.2 mm (average of 5.81 ± 2.06 mm). Six months after maxillary sinus elevation, the bone reduction volume ranged from 0.06 to 1.42 mm (average of 0.6 ± 0.38 mm). At final F/U, the amount of bone-height reduction ranged from 0.06 to 2.60 mm (average of 0.82 ± 0.63 mm). CONCLUSION Sinus membrane elevation by the crestal approach using special reamers is advantageous because of the noticeable reduction in the risk of perforation and the ability to perform the surgery rapidly.