Schneiderian Membrane Thickness and Clinical Implications for Sinus Augmentation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analyses

Background: Schneiderian membrane thickness (SMT) has been regarded as a key factor for influencing membrane perforation, which may jeopardize the final clinical outcome of sinus augmentation. Hence, this systematic review aims at studying the mean SMT and further investigating patient-related factors that may affect SMT. As a secondary goal, the association between SMT and membrane perforation rate was studied.Methods: Three independent reviewers in several databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register databases, conducted electronic and manual literature searches. This review was written and conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and MECIR (Methodological Expectations of Cochrane Intervention Reviews) guidelines. Quantitative assessment was performed for articles that met the inclusion criteria to investigate the mean SMT, its contributing factors, and th...