Sinus augmentation using rhBMP-2-loaded synthetic bone substitute with simultaneous implant placement in rabbits

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2)-loaded synthetic bone substitute on implants that were simultaneously placed with sinus augmentation in rabbits. Methods: In this study, a circular access window was prepared in the maxillary sinus of rabbits (n=5) for a bone graft around an implant (${\varnothing}3{\times}6mm$) that was simultaneously placed anterior to the window. Synthetic bone substitute loaded with rhBMP-2 was placed on one side of the sinus to form the experimental group, and saline-soaked synthetic bone substitute was placed on the other side of the sinus to form the control group. After 4 weeks, sections were obtained for analysis by micro-computed tomography and histology. Results: Volumetric analysis showed that the median amount of newly formed bone was significantly greater in the BMP group than in the control group ($51.6mm^3$ and $46.6mm^3$, respectively; P=0.019). In the histometric analysis, the osseointegration height was also significantly greater in the BMP group at the medial surface of the implant (5.2 mm and 4.3 mm, respectively; P=0.037). Conclusions: In conclusion, an implant simultaneously placed with sinus augmentation using rhBMP-2-loaded synthetic bone substitute can be successfully osseointegrated, even when only a limited bone height is available during the early stage of healing.