Use of Cell-Based Approaches in Maxillary Sinus Augmentation Procedures

The dimension of alveolar ridge is decreased by bone atrophy and pneumatization of the maxillary sinus after loss of teeth in the posterior maxilla, and sinus augmentation procedures are performed to create bone quantity and quality to ensure the placement of dental implants. Various osteoconductive materials have been used to augment the sinus floor, but these materials are cell-free and require more time for bone healing. Attempts have been made to apply a cell-based approach that uses mesenchymal stem cells combined with an osteoconductive scaffold. Adult stem cells that can be derived from various tissues including bone marrow, periosteum, and trabecular bone have been applied in sinus augmentation procedures both experimentally and clinically with successful results. In this review, the cell-based approaches in sinus augmentation procedures with various carriers will be described and the efficacy and clinical applicability will be addressed.