Maxillary Sinus Elevation and Perioperative Complications

Comparison of Sinus Lifting Techniques Performed with Piezosurgery and a Surgical Guide, a Specially Designed Drill, and Conventional Drills in Terms Complications and Quality of Life

This study aims to investigate the effects of various external sinus lifting techniques on patient comfort and perioperative complications.

Patients who met the inclusion criteria and were admitted for posterior maxilla rehabilitation participated in this prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. The three methods used to lift the sinuses were randomized: piezosurgery using a surgical guide, a drill specifically made for lateral sinus lift, and traditional drills. Recorded were the duration of the procedure, accessibility, and intraoperative complications. During the first week following surgery, analgesic intake and pain using a visual analog scale (VAS) were assessed assessed. Preoperatively and on the second and seventh postoperative days, edema was assessed. Preoperatively and on the seventh postoperative day, the patient's quality of life using the OHIP-14 questionnaire, experiences, and expectations were evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Severe resorption or sinus pneumatization in the posterior maxilla that prevents standard implant treatment; class V or VI according to Cawood and Howell classification, patients with residual bone height less than 6 mm
2. Patients over 18 years of age
3. Patients without a history of reconstructive pre-prosthetic surgery or previous implant surgery
4. Patients with partial edentulism who have applied to our center for implant treatment and need sinus lifting
5. Patients with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) taken within the last 1 month

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with a history of systemic diseases (hematologic, neurologic, etc.) that may be contraindicated surgery
2. Patients who are pregnant or in lactation period
3. Patients with a history of immune system disorders and substance abuse
4. Patients with a history of radiotherapy in the head and neck region
5. Patients with existing maxillary sinus pathology or who have undergone surgery
6. Patients who smoke >10 cigarettes per day
7. Patients using antibiotics or steroids in the 30 days before surgery
8. Uncooperative patients who do not comply with the study protocol or follow-up regimen
9. Patients with perforation of the Schneiderian membrane