Prospective Study of NanoTite Implants Placed Into Fresh Sinus-Lift Augmentation Sites (VSSL)

This will be a prospective, randomized-controlled, longitudinal study in which qualified patients with partial edentulism and thin maxillary ridges will have as part of their treatment at least one sinus ridge augmentation procedure and have their edentulism restored with an implant-supported short-span or long-span fixed bridge. Each patient may have up to two cases included in the study should they need bilateral sinus augmentation using unilateral bridge restorations on either side.

Each patient (or side if a bilateral case) will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Treatment Group 1 (test) cases will have implants placed into the sinus cavity during the graft augmentation procedure. Treatment Group 2 (control) will have a sinus lift augmentation and implant placement into this area will take place after four months of graft healing. For both groups the implants will be submerged and allowed four months of healing before second stage surgery.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients of either sex and any race greater than 18 years of age
• Patients for whom a decision has already been made to augment one or both maxillary sinuses for the purpose of placing dental implants in a maxillary ridge no less than 3 mm high and no greater than 5 mm in height
• Patients must be physically able to tolerate conventional surgical and restorative procedures.
• Patients must agree to be evaluated for each study visit, especially the yearly follow-up visit

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with active infection or severe inflammation in the areas intended for implant placement.
• Patients with a >10 cigarettes per day smoking habit.
• Patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
• Treatment with therapeutic radiation to the head within the past 12 months.
• Patients who are pregnant at the screening visit.
• Patients with evidence of severe para-functional habits such as bruxing or clenching.