Two Composite Bone Graft Substitutes for Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentation: Histological, Histomorphometric, and Radiographic Analyses.

OBJECTIVE: To histologically, histomorphometrically, and radiographically compare clinical performance of 2 composite bone graft substitutes for maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Partially or totally edentulous patients requiring MSFA underwent grafting procedures using a 2:1 mixture of biphasic calcium sulfate (CS) and deproteinized bovine bone (group CB) or biphasic CS and alloplast (group CA). Grafts were allowed to heal for 5 months before placing the implants. During implant surgery, bone samples were collected from grafted areas for histology and histomorphometry. Graft height was analyzed using cone beam computed tomography. RESULTS: Sixteen patients completed the study. Mean percentages of new bone were 34.40% +/- 18.91% and 36.71% +/- 15.32% for the CA and CB groups, respectively; percentages of residual graft particles were 6.98% +/- 5.09% and 5.52% +/- 4.12%, respectively. The only significant finding was a greater graft height loss in the CA group (24.44% +/- 6.52% vs 14.60% +/- 4.58%). CONCLUSION: Both graft substitutes were integrated in bone, confirming their biocompatibility and effectiveness for MSFA. The CB group showed less bone height loss than the CA group.