OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical effect of the disk-up sinus reamer (DSR) applied to transcrestal maxillary sinus floor elevation with simultaneous placement of implants.

METHODSThirty-seven patients underwent transcrestal maxillary sinus floor elevation with fifty-one implants placed simultaneously using the DSR. The residual bone height (RBH) was 3 to 8 mm, (5.61 ± 1.61) mm on average. The safety of this technique and the pain index during the operation was evaluated. The final prostheses were restored in 3-6 months postoperatively. The follow-up period was 3 to 24 months. The stability and osseointegration of the implants were clinically evaluated, and the endo-sinus bone gain around the implants were measured.

RESULTSThe elevation height ranged from 2 to 8 mm, with an average of (4.75 ± 1.55) mm. There was no detectable sinus membrane perforation, no serious suffering or uncomfortable subjective sensation in any patients during operation with a pain index of (2.22 ± 0.98). During the follow-up period, no sinus complication was observed. Favorable osseointegration was obtained. There were no implants or prostheses which were loose or lost. The survival rate was 100%. The radiographic results demonstrated that the endo-sinus bone gain tended to reach stabilization after 6 months and the marginal bone loss was (1.20 ± 0.72) mm after 12 months.

CONCLUSIONSTranscrestal maxillary sinus floor elevation with simultaneous implant placement by DSR is a safe, invasive and handy technique, with higher elevation height, fewer clinical complications and less pain. It shows satisfactory clinical results in short term and a long-term observation is still needed.