Advanced Intelligence Driven Drill for Maxillary Sinus Augmentation in Patients with Severe Bone Loss

This study investigates a new technology designed to make dental procedures safer and more effective. Specifically, it focuses on a the lateral approach of Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentation (MSFA), used to prepare the insufficient maxilla for dental implants in areas with low bone height. The study compares a traditional drilling method to an advanced intelligence drill to determine which is better at reducing complications and improving outcomes.

{Purpose of the Study}

The goal is to evaluate if the advanced intelligent drill can:

• Reduce the risk of Schneiderian membrane perforation
• Make the procedure (bony window opening) quicker and easier for both patients and dentists.
• Provide better conditions for bone graft site and for dental implants.

{Participants}

In the study, all participants presented with less than 5 mm of bone height in the posterior maxilla and in need of MSFA procedure using the lateral window approach.

All participants are healthy patients without major systemic diseases (like uncontrolled diabetes or recent cancer treatments) who need dental implants but have insufficient bone height in the upper jaw.

Participants with the following were excluded from the study:

• Active sinus infections.
• Large cysts or tumors in the jaw.
• Recently had sinus surgeries.

{Study Methods}

Participants were split into two groups:

Group A: Traditional Drilling Group: Used a standard dental drill to prepare the bony window.

Group B: AI Drill Group: Used the new AI-powered drill that stops automatically when it touches the schneiderian membrane, reducing the chance of damage.

All procedures were done under local anesthesia, and patients were monitored closely before, during, and after surgery.

Clinical and Radiographic diagnosis of the cases were done following a precise protocol by the operator.

Pre-operative diagnosis and planning of all cases is fundamental to avoid intra- and post- operative complications. Many factors are to be evaluated during this time. A MSFA checklist is put in place.

All the procedures are achieved with the full knowledge and consent of the patient. A written informed consent is obtained for each patient included in this study.

{Surgery}

PRE-SURGICAL PHASE

Investigations and Primary Evaluation

1. A proper diagnosis and subsequent proper case selection must be achieved. A clinical and radiographic treatment planning using a Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) is mandatory. This diagnostic tool is essential in this region to provide precision in the measurement of the residual bone height and its density. It also adds information about the anatomy of the maxillary sinus, the presence of any pathologies and the presence of a septa.
2. The residual bone level is measured from the CBCT: from the most inferior border of the maxillary sinus to the alveolar crest in a sagittal direction.
3. The Schneiderian membrane thickness is measured from the CBCT.

SURGICAL PHASE

The surgery is performed by the same surgeon. Precautions are taken to operate in sterile conditions. All procedures are performed under local anesthesia (articaine 4% in combination with epinephrine).

Procedure:

• Raise a full thickness mucoperiosteal flap with vertical incision exposing the alveolar ridge and the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus
• Perform the lateral window osteotomy using a rose-head bur or A.I drill. In the procedure using the OLA kit: the osteotomy is initiated using the A.I drill followed by the aqua lifter connected to a disposable syringe which is indicated to infuse physiological saline of 1.0-1.5 cc to preliminarily lift the Schneiderian membrane.
• Carefully elevate the sinus membrane using the special hand instruments
• Carry the Valsalva maneuver to make sure the sinus membrane is fully elevated and has no perforations
• The sinus floor is augmented using xenograft through the lateral window to fill the sub antral space created then covered with a resorbable collagen membrane.
• The wound is sutured by 4/0 PGA sutures

POST-OPERATIVE CARE

• Antibiotic therapy (amoxicillin + clavulonic acid 1000 mg BID) is prescribed for the next 7 days along with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) (Ibuprofen 400 mg BID) for 5 days for pain and swelling.
• The patient is advised not to brush the area or apply pressure by eating on it. He is also advised to avoid smoking, blowing their noise and other activities that may increase the sinus pressure for one week post operative.
• Sutures are removed 7 to 10 days after surgery.

FOLLOW UP

The maxillary implants are not to be placed until a 6-months healing time has elapsed. Thus, a follow up is done at 1 months, 3 months and 6 months after MSFA procedure. The bone level assessed and measured via CBCT imaging at 6 months post-operative.