Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study evaluated both the clinical and histological aspects of bone formation in maxillary sinus augmentation using MBCP as the bone-grafting material. MATERIAL AND METHODS MBCP was used as a primary bone substitute for maxillary sinus augmentation. Fifty-two patients were selected after a medical and dental examination, and were divided into the following three groups: those augmented with MBCP only; MBCP combined with irradiated cancellous bone; and MBCP combined with intraoral autogenous bone. After a healing period (average 6.78 months after surgery), bone cores were harvested for a histological evaluation and the implant fixtures were installed. These bone cores were evaluated via light microscope and implants were followed up for at least six months after loading. RESULTS Four to ten months after surgery, new vital bone surrounding the MBCP particles was observed in 18 bone biopsies. Two out of the 130 implants installed were explanted due to a failure of osseointegration before the prosthetic procedure. All the remaining implants were functioning for 6 to 27 months (average 12.96 months). The cumulative survival rate of the implants was 98.46%. CONCLUSION These results show that MBCP can be used as a grafting material for sinus floor augmentation, whether combined with other bone graft materials or not, and lead to a predictable prognosis for dental implants in the posterior maxillary area where there is insufficient vertical height for fixture installation.
