A comparative study of bilateral sinus lifts performed with platelet-rich plasma alone versus alloplastic graft material reconstituted with blood.

The objective of this study was to compare the alveolar bone growth in the 2 sides of the maxillary sinus after bilateral sinus lift procedures were performed with the simultaneous placement of dental implants in 20 consecutive patients. After elevation of the Schneiderian membrane, one side had only platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel applied, while the other had placed only alloplastic graft material reconstituted with blood. Both open window and closed window techniques were used in ridges with > or =9 mm residual crest of bone. Results indicate that using PRP alone in cases with >7 mm residual crest can produce bone growth. Preliminary results indicate that in cases with a minimum of 7-mm crestal bone, it is possible to use a crestal approach for sinus grafting, with PRP alone and implant placement for bone growth.