Antrostomy Preparation for Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentation Using Drills or a Sonic Instrument: A Microcomputed Tomography and Histomorphometric Study in Rabbits

PURPOSE: To evaluate the healing after sinus floor augmentation at antrostomies prepared with either drills or a sonic instrument. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sinus mucosa elevation was performed bilaterally in 18 rabbits. The antrostomy was prepared with either drills or a sonic instrument. The elevated space was filled with a collagenated porcine bone, and the access antrostomy was covered by a collagen membrane. The animals were euthanized in groups of six after 2, 4, and 8 weeks of healing. Microcomputed tomorgraphy (microCT) and a histologic analysis was performed. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of healing, remaining defects occupying about 28.9% and 26.0% of the antrostomy were found at the microCT analysis. At the histologic analysis, new bone was formed from the margins of the antrostomy, reaching the central region over time. After 8 weeks of healing, 29.1% ± 18.6% and 28.4% ± 15.6% of new mineralized bone was occupying the analyzed zone in the antrostomy at the drill and sonic sites, respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of a sonic device to prepare the antrostomy resulted in similar healing outcomes in both the antrostomy and the elevated regions.