**Conflict of interest**

pneumatization of the maxillary sinus on one hand and the loss of height and width of the alveolar process on the other. In order to increase the bone volume, the maxillary sinus floor elevation technique is used. It consists in elevating the membrane of the floor of the maxillary sinus and filling the intermediate space with bone substitutes [42] to promote bone formation [49]. The results of this procedure can be affected by the surgical techniques used: simultaneous placement versus delayed implantation of the implant, use of barrier membranes on the lateral window, graft material selection and surface characteristics, and length and width of the implants. Depending on the type of graft, the particles are partially reabsorbed and

In agreement with Shirmohammadi et al. and Wallace et al. on sinus augmentation utilizing BO as bone graft [51, 52], the case report presented here evidences the efficacy of SBM in the bone healing process, showing osteoconductive properties when used as a grafting material for sinus lift elevation. In this regard, biopsies of the grafted areas showed that SBM particles were surrounded by vital new bone, without evidence of inflammation and bone sequestrae after 6 months of implantation. We neither observed inflammation nor thickening of the

Additional comparative studies with greater number of patients and histomorphometric analysis are needed to determine whether there is any advantage in the use of SBM as opposed

The use of bone grafts is important to preserve the alveolar bone ridge height and volume indispensable for dental implant placement. Despite the highly successful outcomes for the implant-supported overdentures, it seems that a majority of edentulous individuals have not pursued implant-based rehabilitation. Among the reasons cited for this discrepancy between highly successful therapy, and its acceptance is the cost of the treatment [53]. Our experimental findings in animal models, as well as the case report, indicate that the bone regeneration process induced by SBM presented similar characteristics in osteoconduction than BO and suggests the use of this material to increase the bone volume of the alveolar crest. The presence of a biomaterial with similar characteristics to those of internationally recognized commercial brands, but developed by the domestic industry, will be an important tool to reduce

The authors thank Dr. Macarena Gonzales-Chaves for her technical advice in histomorphometrical studies and Mr. Ricardo Orzuza for his technical advice in animal care. We also would like to thank University of Buenos Aires, School of Dentistry, Department of General and Oral Biochemistry, Buenos Aires, Argentina for conducting the densitometric evaluations,

replaced by the patient's own bone during the healing time [50].

88 Bone Grafting - Recent Advances with Special References to Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery

to BO in the survival of implants placed in grafted sinuses.

repaired Schneiderian membrane.

the high cost of these interventions.

**Acknowledgements**

**6. Conclusion**

All authors state that they have no conflicts of interest.
