Research Article

Membrane Repositioning Techniques to Stabilize Graft Material in Lateral Sinus Augmentation: A Retrospective Cohort Radiographic Study

Volume: 53 Number: 2 August 30, 2026

Membrane Repositioning Techniques to Stabilize Graft Material in Lateral Sinus Augmentation: A Retrospective Cohort Radiographic Study

Abstract

Purpose This retrospective study compares the effects of free-lay (FL) and tucked/adapted (TK) collagen membrane placement on vertical bone height (BH) in 2D radiographs after maxillary sinus augmentation (MSA) with the lateral window approach. Materials & Methods Patients who underwent MSA between 2020 and 2025 were included in this study. In all cases, a collagen membrane was placed to cover the lateral window. Membranes were stabilized either as a free lay or by tucking the margins between the sinus wall and the graft. Panoramic radiographs were obtained preoperatively and at postoperative day 7, month 2, month 6, and the final follow-up to assess BH. Results Fifty-six patients were analyzed (FL, n = 35; TK, n = 21). BH decreased significantly over the follow-up period. Technique-by-time interactions were not statistically significant, and after adjustment, the membrane technique was not an independent predictor of bone height change. Greater mesiodistal graft width was found to be correlated with higher BH values. The staged approach was linked to higher level of BH reduction in the long term. Conclusion Within the limitations of this study, TK technique showed no measurable benefit over free-lay coverage in preserving BH after maxillary MSA. Prospective studies using CBCT-based volumetric endpoints and direct evaluation of graft displacement are recommended.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Oral Implantology

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

August 30, 2026

Submission Date

May 4, 2026

Acceptance Date

August 8, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 53 Number: 2

APA
Bilen, E. (2026). Membrane Repositioning Techniques to Stabilize Graft Material in Lateral Sinus Augmentation: A Retrospective Cohort Radiographic Study. European Annals of Dental Sciences, 53(2), 86-96. https://doi.org/10.52037/eads.2026.0014
AMA
1.Bilen E. Membrane Repositioning Techniques to Stabilize Graft Material in Lateral Sinus Augmentation: A Retrospective Cohort Radiographic Study. EADS. 2026;53(2):86-96. doi:10.52037/eads.2026.0014
Chicago
Bilen, Emrah. 2026. “Membrane Repositioning Techniques to Stabilize Graft Material in Lateral Sinus Augmentation: A Retrospective Cohort Radiographic Study”. European Annals of Dental Sciences 53 (2): 86-96. https://doi.org/10.52037/eads.2026.0014.
EndNote
Bilen E (August 1, 2026) Membrane Repositioning Techniques to Stabilize Graft Material in Lateral Sinus Augmentation: A Retrospective Cohort Radiographic Study. European Annals of Dental Sciences 53 2 86–96.
IEEE
[1]E. Bilen, “Membrane Repositioning Techniques to Stabilize Graft Material in Lateral Sinus Augmentation: A Retrospective Cohort Radiographic Study”, EADS, vol. 53, no. 2, pp. 86–96, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.52037/eads.2026.0014.
ISNAD
Bilen, Emrah. “Membrane Repositioning Techniques to Stabilize Graft Material in Lateral Sinus Augmentation: A Retrospective Cohort Radiographic Study”. European Annals of Dental Sciences 53/2 (August 1, 2026): 86-96. https://doi.org/10.52037/eads.2026.0014.
JAMA
1.Bilen E. Membrane Repositioning Techniques to Stabilize Graft Material in Lateral Sinus Augmentation: A Retrospective Cohort Radiographic Study. EADS. 2026;53:86–96.
MLA
Bilen, Emrah. “Membrane Repositioning Techniques to Stabilize Graft Material in Lateral Sinus Augmentation: A Retrospective Cohort Radiographic Study”. European Annals of Dental Sciences, vol. 53, no. 2, Aug. 2026, pp. 86-96, doi:10.52037/eads.2026.0014.
Vancouver
1.Emrah Bilen. Membrane Repositioning Techniques to Stabilize Graft Material in Lateral Sinus Augmentation: A Retrospective Cohort Radiographic Study. EADS. 2026 Aug. 1;53(2):86-9. doi:10.52037/eads.2026.0014