A three-in-one alveolar process reconstruction protocol for maxillary molar sites with severe residual bone height deficiency: A proof-of-concept pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Implant placement in maxillary molar sites with severe height deficiency often requires multiple surgeries, which was time-consuming, invasive, and subject to serious postoperative complications. PURPOSE: To introduce and assess a three-in-one technique (extraction, alveolar ridge preservation [ARP], and sinus elevation) for augmenting deficiency maxillary molar alveolar ridges. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen patients with severe posterior maxillary ridge height deficiency underwent extraction, sinus elevation via an intrasocket window and ARP using sticky bone and then covered with acellular dermal matrix (ADM). Primary closure was intentionally not obtained. Cone-beam computed tomography and periapical radiography were used to measure dimensional ridge changes over time. Bone biopsies were taken at implant placement 7-21 months after surgery, which proceeded without additional grafting. Peri-implant soft tissue was assessed after 8-12 months of functional loading. RESULTS: Maxillary molar sites (13 first molars, 1 second molar) with a mean sinus floor height of 1.73 +/- 0.86 mm and mean buccal plate thickness of 1.62 +/- 1.15 mm were elevated and grafted. Immediately after surgery, the mean sinus floor height was 14.03 +/- 1.97 mm and the alveolar thickness at virtual implant platform level was 12.99 +/- 1.88 mm. After 5-9 months healing, those measurements decreased by 2.45 +/- 1.73 mm (p = 0.000) and 3.88 +/- 3.95 mm (p = 0.006), respectively. Healed ridges were composed of 18.74% +/- 4.34% mean vital bone and 19.08% +/- 9.10% mean residual graft. After 8-12 months of functional loading, the peri-implant tissue appeared healthy, and there was a mean marginal bone loss of 0.12 +/- 0.11 mm. CONCLUSIONS: For maxillary first molar sites with severe sinus floor height deficiency, this minimally invasive three-in-one treatment allows for uncomplicated implant placement and short-term functional stability.