Clinical Performance of a Highly Porous Beta-TCP as the Grafting Material for Maxillary Sinus Augmentation

Background: Beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) is a synthetic bone substitute having high porosity and fast resorption. This retrospective study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of an highly macroporous beta-TCP for maxillary sinus floor augmentation. Methods: Twenty-seven consecutive patients (17 woman/10 men, mean age: 59.7 years) in 2 clinics underwent maxillary sinus augmentation by lateral approach using beta-TCP as grafting material. Implant survival, prosthesis success, periimplant bone loss, oral hygiene level, soft tissue condition, complication occurrence, and patient satisfaction were assessed. Results: Thirty-one sinuses were successfully augmented. Sixty implants were placed. No sinus membrane perforations occurred. The mean follow-up after grafting was 39.3 +/- 8.7 months (range, 22-52 months), and it was 30.5 +/- 8.1 months (range, 15-43 months) after implant loading. No implants were lost. After 1 year of loading, marginal bone loss averaged -0.88 +/- 0.46 mm (n = 54 implants). Mean full-mouth plaque and bleeding scores were 11.5% +/- 4.8% and 3.5% +/- 2.8%, respectively. No biological or mechanical complications were recorded. Patient satisfaction was very high. Conclusion: Despite limited sample size and follow-up duration, highly macroporous beta-TCP proved a valuable bone substitute for sinus augmentation, even when used alone.