Effects of Different External Sinus Lifting Techniques on Perioperative Complications and Patient Comfort

Aim

The objective of this study is to explore how different external sinus lifting approaches affect perioperative complications and patient comfort.

Materials and Methods

This prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study was conducted with patients who were admitted for rehabilitation of the posterior maxilla and met inclusion the criteria. Sinuses to be lifted were randomized into three groups: piezosurgery with a surgical guide, a specially designed bur for lateral sinus lift, and conventional burs. Intraoperative complications, ease of access, and operation time were recorded. Pain measured with visual analog scale (VAS) and analgesic consumption were evaluated over 1 week postoperatively. Edema was evaluated preoperatively and on the 2nd and 7th postoperative days. Patient expectations, experiences, and quality of life with the OHIP-14 questionnaire were assessed preoperatively and on the 7th postoperative day.

Result

30 sinus lifting procedures were conducted on 27 patients, comprising 16 men and 11 women. There were no statistically significant differences among the groups in terms of operation and osteotomy time, pain level, analgesic consumption, edema, patient experience, and quality of life (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were found regarding membrane elevation time (p < 0.05) and ease of access to the surgical site (p < 0.001) among the groups.

Conclusion

Piezo surgical approach assisted by a surgical guide appears advantageous in terms of operation time, surgical site accessibility, and quality of life. However, in cases where increased edema is expected, the use of specially designed burs for lateral sinus lift may be preferable.

Trial Registration: ID: NCT06601816. This randomized clinical trial was not registered before participant recruitment and randomization (https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/beta/studies/S000EWSQ00000038/recordSummary)