Clinical, Radiographic, and Histologic Evaluation of Maxillary Sinus Lift Procedure Using a Highly Purified Xenogenic Graft (Laddec(®))

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiographic and histologic results when a highly purified xenogenic bone (Laddec(®)) was used as grafting material in maxillary sinuses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In fifteen patients requiring unilateral maxillary sinus augmentation, the grafting procedure was performed with Laddec(®). Forty-two implants were installed after a 6 month healing period. The height of the augmented sinus was measured radiographically immediately after augmentation and postoperatively up to 36 months. At the time of implant placement, a bone core was harvested in each patient for histological examination. RESULTS: The cumulative implant survival rate was 97.6%. The original height was 3.65 (SD 0.7) mm and the augmented sinus height was 13.8 (SD 1.4) mm after the surgery. The reduced height of grafted xenogenic material (RDL) at the implant insertion was 0.83 (SD 0.38) mm, and at the final postoperative visit was 0.91 (SD 0.25) mm, showing no significant correlation with the follow-up periods by Spearman’s test (P = 0.118). In addition, no significant difference in the RDL was observed according to the site of implantation (P = 0.682). The mean implant marginal bone loss was 0.38 (SD 0.24) mm. Histological analysis showed the bone cores were composed of 64.72 (SD 3.44)% newly formed bone, 17.41 (SD 2.02)% connective tissue, 16.93 (SD 2.83)% residual graft particles, and 0.94 (SD 0.11)% inflammatory cells. CONCLUSIONS: According to our data, the highly purified xenogenic bone (Laddec(®)), used as graft material in the sinus lift procedure, may create adequate bone volume, and appropriate osseointegration of dental implants.