Histological, radiological and clinical outcomes of sinus floor elevation using lateral approach pre-/post- extraction of the severe periodontally compromised maxillary molars: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial
Abstract Background Residual alveolar bone volume is a critical factor for the dental implants’ survival [1]. When the volume of alveolar bone in the posterior maxillary region is less than 4mm, the maxillary sinus floor elevation (MSFE) with lateral approach is an effective way to solve this problem [2]. Traditionally, this standard approach is usually delivered 4 months after the extraction of the tooth. However, the defective dentition due to the extraction would cause impaired masticatory function during the long period of the bone regeneration, especially when molars on both sides are severely periodontal compromised and need to be extracted. So, as periodontists, we start to wonder if we can maintain a compromised tooth so that we perform the sinus floor elevation before the extraction (the modified MSFE) to take fully advantage of residual strength of the teeth. Methods/Design The proposed study is designed as a prospective single-center, split-mouth design, randomized controlled trial. We plan to recruit 10 patients whose molars on both sides are severely periodontal compromised and in need of dental implant treatment in the atrophied posterior maxilla. The two sides of each patients will be divided into two groups randomly using Randomizer for Clinical Trials (Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical Univ. Graz). Test group: sinus floor augmentation before tooth extraction (the modified MSFE); Control group: sinus floor augmentation after tooth extraction (the standard MSFE). Implant survival rates, mucosal conditions around the implants, complications, treatment time and postoperative discomfort (visual analogue scale for intraoperative pain and postoperative pain/discomfort) will be recorded. The volume of the alveolar bone will be measured 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the MSFE surgery by means of CBCT. Histological and histomorphometic analysis will be performed on biopsies retrieved from both side of grafting sites. Discussion The current study will explore the effectiveness of the modified MSFE on minimizing the discomfort period caused by defected dentition. To determine whether the modified MSFE will promote the grafting outcomes, the quality and the quantity of the osteogenesis on the sinus floor will also be compared. Depending on the result of the current study, we will determine all the protocols and details about the modified MSFE, including indications, detailed methods, post-operational complications and managements.