A Lateral Approach for Sinus Elevation Using PRGF Technology.

Purpose: A lateral approach for sinus elevation using plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) technology is described. The long-term survival of dental implants installed following a two-stage procedure after sinus elevation using this procedure is reported, using implant loss as the outcome variable. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study design was used. Eighteen patients received 43 implants (BTI implants, Biotechnology Institute, Vitoria, Spain) with sinus floor elevation. All patients presented a residual bone height of class D (1–3 mm). Implants were installed using a low-speed drilling procedure (50 rpm) without irrigation. Finally, the histological and histomorphometric evaluation of eight samples from PRGF grafted sinus involved in the study was carried out 5–6 months posttreatment. Results: The overall survival rate of dental implants was 100%. The mean follow-up period for all implants was 33 ± 7 months ranging from 24 to 44 months. In addition, the histomorphometrical evaluation of the samples evidenced a 25.24 ± 4.62% of vital newly formed bone, 50.31 ± 15.56% of soft connective tissue, and the remaining 24.46 ± 12.79% of bovine anorganic bone. Conclusions: Based on these results, this new approach for sinus elevation and implant installation using PRGF technology can be considered safe, simple, effective, and predictable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]