Sinus lift: 3 years follow up comparing autogenous bone block versus autogenous particulated grafts

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was to compare vertical bone gain and bone resorption after sinus graft procedures performed either with particulate or with autogenous bone block. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-one patients underwent sinus graft procedures with autogenous bone. They were randomly assigned to one group. The first group of 22 patients was treated with autogenous bone block with or without particulated bone, while in the second group of 19 patients sinus floor elevation was performed only with particulated autogenous bone. Linear measurements were recorded before surgery with a computed tomography scan at surgery and at 36 months after sinus lift grafting with a second computed tomography scan. To detect statistical differences Student t test was applied. Differences were considered significant if P values were < 0.05. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in bone gain for the group treated with bone block grafts. CONCLUSION: As a general clinical guideline the clinician should prefer, wherever feasible, en-block bone grafts for sinus floor augmentation procedures.