The transcrestal hydrodynamic ultrasonic cavitational sinuslift: Results of a 2-year prospective multicentre study on 404 patients, 446 sinuslift sites and 637 inserted implants

Abstract

Introduction: In 2006 an ultrasound-surgery-based method to hydrodynamically detach the sinus-membrane utilizing the ultrasonic cavitation effect-the tHUCSL-was developed and a surgical protocol established. The aim of the study was to determine the indication-range and success-rate of this novelty procedure. Materials & Methods: Between 2007 and 2009, 404 patients were treated by 6 oral surgeons of different experience-levels with the tHUCSL in 446 sinussites. 637 implants were inserted and then prosthodontically treated and observed and documented until December 2011. The subantral space was augmented via the 3 mm transcrestal approach with an augmentation volume of 1.9 ccm (+/− 0.988 ccm) and an augmentation height of 10.7 mm (+/− 2.85 mm). Results: Within the survey-period 15 (2.35%) of the 637 inserted implants were lost, mostly before implant loading due to postsurgical infection and nonosseointegration in the augmentation site. 1 implant was lost after implant loading and prosthetic treatment within 1 year after loading. The overall success rate with functional implants in site is 97.65% evenly distributed among the participating surgeons. 86% of the patients were observed with no postsurgical swelling and 87% no postsurgical pain. Discussion: The results suggest the tHUCSL to be a safe minimal-invasive alternative to traditional lateral approach and transcrestal osteotome sinuslift-procedures applicable to all anatomical situations.

Sinus Lift versus Short Implants: Results of a Prospective Radiologic Study and Critical Review of Minimally Invasive Transcrestal Sinus Lift Procedures

“…The present study is probably the most comprehensive representative clinical study of subantral alveolar ridge heights and mesial extensions of human sinuses in an equally distributed and mainly Caucasian patient population and agrees with similar studies published, yet with smaller samples [13]. The results inevit-ably have a major impact on decision-making when it comes to implant-insertion in the maxillary premolar and molar region.…”

“…Since INTRALIFT can be used already at a residual ridge height of only 1 mm, the INTRALIFT procedure can also be carried out paracrestally with a success rate of over 97%. Comparative clinical studies proved the INTRALIFT to achieve significant better results compared to traditional sinus lift methods [13].…”

“…Even if the sinus membrane is perforated during a transcrestal approach and surgery has to be aborted, the patient at least does not have to suffer postoperative swelling or pain in addition to the frustration of a failed operation. With a transcrestal approach, there is less postsurgical morbidity than at a simple tooth extraction [13].…”

“…The tHUCSL INTRALIFT has been scientifically documented exhaustively and validated, both experimental [21] [29] an on histologic level [28], as well as in clinical studies [13] [17] and in prospective multicentre studies [30] [31] [32] [33] [34]. It is now regarded as the standard procedure of choice in clinical biomaterial research for obtaining results that must not be affected by the surgical procedure [12] [17] [35].…”

“…Using burs instead of the provided diamond ultrasonic tips to open the maxillary sinus floor results in perforation-rates of 25% compared to 3% with ultrasonic tips and completely counteracts the safe and purely ultrasonic procedure as described in the surgical protocol [13] [36].…”