Using the fractal dimension method to assess ossification after open sinus lift surgery

Objective: The present study aims to use the fractal dimension method to assess ossification occurring in patients undergoing an open sinus lift surgery performed with the use of xenograft. Material and Method: In our study, we used 90 orthopantomographs of a total of 43 patients. Our study consists of three groups: Group A, Group B, and Group C. Using the fractal dimension method, we assessed the orthopantomographs taken within three to six months after the open sinus lift surgery (Group A), taken after six to nine months after the open sinus lift surgery (Group B), and taken more than nine months after the open sinus lift surgery (Group C). The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS V23. The compliance of the data with the normal distribution was examined using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Result: The three-way statistics made between the mean values of the groups revealed a difference (p=0,033). The density of the xenograft material in the study area tended to decrease starting from the period of three to six months after the surgery. Conclusion: The fractal dimension method can be used to assess ossification occurring after open sinus lift surgery that is performed with the use of xenografts.