Crestal vs Lateral Sinus Lift Augmentation
Crestal vs Lateral Sinus Lift Augmentation
The aim of this randomised controlled trial (RCT) of split-mouth design was to compare
 patient preference and effectiveness of two different techniques for lifting the maxillary
 sinus: the crestal approach versus the lateral window approach.
Each patient having bilateral edentulism in posterior maxillae was randomised to receive one
 partial fixed prosthesis supported by one to three implants placed either with a crestal or
 with lateral window sinus lift procedure.

 Eligibility criteria for participants

 Only healed implant sites were considered (at least 3 months after tooth extraction). The
 vertical bone height at the implant sites to be included had to be between 2 to 6 mm and bone
 thickness at least 6 mm as measured on cone-bean computed tomography (CBCT) scans.

 Patients were not admitted in the study if any of the following exclusion criteria was
 present:

 general contraindications to implant surgery subjected to irradiation in the head and neck
 area immunosuppressed or immunocompromised treated or under treatment with intravenous
 amino-bisphosphonates poor oral hygiene and motivation untreated periodontal disease
 uncontrolled diabetes pregnant or lactating substance abusers psychiatric problems
 unrealistic expectations lack of opposite occluding dentition/prosthesis in the area intended
 for implant placement acute or chronic infection/inflammation in the area intended for sinus
 augmentation/implant placement referred only for implant placement who cannot be
 rehabilitated and followed at the treatment centre unable to attend a 5-year post-loading
 follow-up. Smokers were included and patients were categorised into three groups according to
 what declare: i) non-smokers; ìì) moderate smokers, if smoking up to 10 cigarettes/day; iii)
 heavy smokers if smoking more than 10 cigarettes/day.

 Patients were recruited and treated in one private practice in Tirana, Albania by two
 operators: Marco Tallarico who performed all surgical interventions and Erta Xhanari who
 performed all prosthetic and maintenance procedures.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Partially edentulous patient

 -  Bilateral edentulism in posterior maxillae (premolars and molars)

 -  18 years or older

 -  Able to understand and sign an informed consent.

 -  At least 3 months after tooth extraction

 -  Vertical bone height at the implant sites between 2 to 6 mm

 -  Bone thickness at least 6 mm as measured on CBCT scan

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  general contraindications to implant surgery

 -  subjected to irradiation in the head and neck area

 -  immunosuppressed or immunocompromised

 -  treated or under treatment with intravenous amino-bisphosphonates

 -  poor oral hygiene and motivation

 -  untreated periodontal disease

 -  uncontrolled diabetes

 -  pregnant or lactating

 -  substance abusers

 -  psychiatric problems

 -  unrealistic expectations

 -  lack of opposite occluding dentition/prosthesis

 -  acute or chronic infection/inflammation

 -  augmentation/implant placement

 -  referred only for implant placement