Volumetric changes of grafted volumes and the Schneiderian membrane after transcrestal and lateral sinus floor elevation procedures: A clinical, pilot study

Aim: To investigate the influence of various surgical techniques for sinus augmentation on the volumetric changes of graft, membrane and the post-operative discomfort. Materials and Methods: Eighteen patients in need of bilateral sinus floor elevation (SFE) were assigned to lateral SFE, transcrestal SFE and intralift procedures. CBCT images taken at baseline, 1 week and 6 weeks were analysed for volumetric changes in graft and Schneiderian membrane. Questionnaires were used to analyse post-op discomfort. Results: The overall average graft volume obtained after 1 week was 1.87 cm(3) (range 0.12-4.72 cm(3)). Volumes decreased after 6 weeks to an overall mean volume of 1.33 cm(3) (range 0.10-4.29 cm(3) - average decrease of 27.6%). After 6 weeks, the amount of graft volume decreased in every treatment option, ranging from -23.13% for the tSFE, over -24.55% for the ISFE, to -33.71% for the IL. Although all treatment options correspond in an increase in Schneiderian membrane volume, no statistically significant correlation between this increase and loss of graft volume could be - obtained for all treatments (p = 0.97). Conclusion: All SFE techniques provided sufficient graft volume for implant treatment. All techniques provoke a partially transient swelling of the Schneiderian membrane. All techniques resulted in a decrease in graft volume after 6 weeks; however, no significant differences were obtained between treatments. Furthermore, no statistical significant correlation between the post-operative swelling of the Schneiderian membrane and reduction in graft volume at 6 weeks could be obtained.