Evaluation of Tenting the Schneiderian Membrane of the Maxillary Sinus Using Titanium Mesh.

Clinical, Radiographic and Histologic Evaluation of Tenting the Schneiderian Membrane Using Titanium Mesh for Maxillary Sinus Lift Procedure: A Randomized Controlled Study

Twenty posterior maxillary edentulous sites requiring open sinus augmentation for staged dental implant placement will be studied. Group I (study group) the maxillary sinus membrane will be elevated using titanium mesh fixed by bone screws. Group II (control group) will have stainless steel screws/pins placed bucco-palatally to maintain the elevated membrane and stabilize the formed blood clot. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) will be placed at the site of elevated membrane in both groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult male/female patients with age interval 18:60 years old.
• Patients with one or more teeth requiring implant supported dental restoration in atrophic maxilla.
• Alveolar bone height less than 5 mm at the defective site.
• Good oral hygiene.
• Patient's consensual agreement to be enrolled in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Medically compromised patients with conditions contraindicating surgery (eg. uncontrolled diabetics, bisphosphonate intake, radio or chemotherapy).
• Patients with active infection at or related to the site of surgery (eg. acute sinusitis).
• Heavy smokers.
• Patients not indicated for an implant supported restoration at the time of enrollement (eg. active/untreated periodontal disease). (Patients developing any medical condition that interferes with the outcomes after enrolment in the study will be excluded).