Minimally invasive transcrestal sinus floor elevation with deproteinized bovine bone or ?-tricalcium phosphate: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial

AIMS: To evaluate the outcomes of transcrestal sinus floor elevation (tSFE) performed with a minimally invasive procedure (Smart Lift technique) combined with the additional use of deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) or β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). METHODS: In a multicenter randomized controlled trial, 38 sites in 38 patients were treated with the Smart Lift technique in association with DBBM (n = 19) or β-TCP (n = 19). The extent of the sinus lift (SL) and the height of the graft apical to the implant apex (aGH) were assessed on periapical radiographs taken immediately after surgery and at 6 months following surgery. RESULTS: (i) Substantial aGH and SL were observed immediately after surgery and at 6 months, with no significant differences between DBBM and β-TCP groups; (ii) a significant graft remodelling was observed from post-surgery to 6-months in the β-TCP group and (iii) limited incidence of complications as well as limited post-operative pain and discomfort were associated with the use of both graft materials. CONCLUSIONS: The Smart Lift technique in conjunction with the additional use of either DBBM or β-TCP may provide a substantial elevation of the maxillary sinus floor along with limited post-surgical complications and post-operative pain/discomfort.