Sinus floor elevation using an osteotome technique without grafting materials or membranes

This retrospective study aimed to radiographically assess sinus floor remodeling after using a modified osteotome technique without graft materials or membranes. After pilot drilling, residual bone was fractured and raised with the schneiderian membrane to the final implant length using osteotomes. Self-tapping implants were placed, and restorations were placed 6 months later. Twenty-four patients were available for follow-up after a mean observation period of 17.6 +/- 8.4 months. The implant survival rate at that time was 100%. Bone filling around the implants was measured and compared with baseline digital radiographs. New bone formation was 86.3% +/- 22.1% mesially and 89.7% +/- 13.3% distally. In nine cases, digital volume tomography was used to verify regeneration. Within the limitations of this study, use of the schneiderian membrane led to considerable bone regeneration, and good clinical success was achieved despite the omission of graft materials.