Comparison of Allograft, Xenograft and Combined Grafting in Maxillary Sinus Augmentation

This prospective randomized clinical study evaluates and compares three different grafting approaches (allograft, xenograft, and combined grafting) used in lateral maxillary sinus augmentation prior to dental implant placement. Patients with posterior maxillary bone deficiency (residual bone height ≤4 mm) undergoing sinus lift surgery were randomly assigned to one of three grafting groups. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to assess bone height before surgery, immediately after grafting, and at 6 months. During implant placement at 6 months, bone biopsy samples were collected from the grafted sites for histological and immunohistochemical evaluation. The study aims to assess vertical bone gain, graft height stability, and biological bone healing using osteocalcin, osteopontin, and RUNX2 markers. The results are intended to provide clinically relevant information regarding the volumetric and biological behavior of different graft materials used in maxillary sinus augmentation.