Histologic Evaluation of a Stem Cell–Based Sinus‐Augmentation Procedure

Background: Predictability has been demonstrated for the long‐term success of dental implants placed simultaneously with or after a sinus‐augmentation procedure. However, the time required to obtain optimal bone formation can be from 6 to 9 months or longer with grafting materials other than autogenous bone. For this reason, there is interest in a surgical technique that does not require the harvest of autogenous bone but still results in sufficient bone formation within a relatively short time frame. Methods: The purpose of this case series was to evaluate the bone formation following sinus‐augmentation procedures using an allograft cellular bone matrix containing native mesenchymal stem cells. Biopsy and histologic evaluation were performed after ∼4 months of healing. Results: Histomorphometric analysis revealed an average vital bone content of 33% (range, 22% to 40%) and an average residual graft content of 6% (range, 3% to 7%) for the five cases reported that had an average healing period of 4.1 months (range, 3 to 4.75 months). Conclusion: The high percentage of vital bone content, after a relatively short healing phase, may encourage a more rapid initiation of implant placement or restoration when a cellular grafting approach is considered.