Histologic and histomorphometric analysis of maxillary sinus augmentation with different biomaterials. A pilot split-mouth human study

Objectives. The aim of this pilot split-mouth controlled human study is to evaluate histologic and histomorphometric results of a highly purified xenogenic grafting material in maxillary sinus floor augmentation after six months of follow-up. Methods. This pilot split-mouth study was conducted on 11 patients, 7 females and 4 males (mean age 53 +/- 7.9 years; range 41-68 years), who underwent maxillary sinus floor augmentation. The following biomaterials were used: Laddec: a highly purified bovine xenograft, that was the test material; and Bio-oss a natural bone mineral, that was the control material. Six patients (4 females, 2 males) were treated with unilateral major maxillary sinus floor augmentation with Bio-oss, and five patients (3 females, 2 males) were subjected to bilateral major maxillary sinus floor augmentation, with Bio-oss in one side and Laddec in the other side. Consequently, the test group (Laddec) included 5 samples, while the control group (Biooss) included 11 samples. Results. For the Laddec, the newly formed bone was 36% ± 2.3; the intertrabecular spaces were 34% ± 1.6, and the residual material was 30% ± 1.4. For the Bio-Oss, the newly formed bone was 38% ± 1.6; the intertrabecular spaces were 26% ± 1.6, whereas the residual material was 36% ± 3.1. Conclusions. Both the xenoimplants obtained a good bone regeneration with a satisfying quantity of newly formed bone and reduced quantity of fibrous bone. The Laddec showed a better absorbability compared with Bio-Oss, whose residual percentage is greater for the same elapsed time.