A novel dental implant system with an internal port for endoscopic closed sinus augmentation: a feasibility study in pigs.

PURPOSE This study describes the use of an innovative dynamic implant valve approach (DIVA) for dental implant placement and sinus augmentation procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS The DIVA implant system was tested in vitro for leakage and mechanical fatigue. A closed sinus elevation procedure with a gel-type bone substitute was performed using the DIVA implant in a swine model (n = 6). Implants were placed and evaluated radiographically and histologically. RESULTS Elevation of the maxillary sinus membrane and augmentation were performed in a simple, minimally invasive fashion. Histologic analyses demonstrated complete sealing of the DIVA implant and excellent osseointegration. CONCLUSION The DIVA can be used as a simplified viable option for dental implantation and augmentation procedures. Hermetic sealing of this implant system, which features an inner screw, renders it safe.