A two-stage lateral sinus lift with Alb-PRF gel: enhancing bone regeneration - a case report.

Introduction: Maxillary sinus augmentation traditionally uses xenografts, allografts, or autografts. This case report details a novel, entirely autologous technique using albumin-denatured platelet-rich fibrin (Alb-PRF) gel as the sole grafting material in a two-stage lateral sinus lift - an approach rarely documented. Case presentation: A 41-year-old male with a residual bone height of 4-5 mm (mean: 4.3 mm) underwent a two-stage lateral sinus lift. The sinus cavity was grafted exclusively with Alb-PRF gel, and the lateral window was left uncovered without a barrier membrane. After 6 months, re-entry cone beam computed tomography demonstrated a mean vertical bone gain of 8.2 mm, resulting in a final bone height of 12.5 mm. Two dental implants (4 × 8 mm) were placed with insertion torques of 40 Ncm and 38 Ncm and were functionally loaded after 6 months, with no complications at the 12-month follow-up. Clinical discussion: Alb-PRF gel exhibited a slow resorption profile (4-6 months), providing adequate space maintenance and promoting osteogenesis. Its use as a sole grafting material simplifies the surgical protocol and reduces costs. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that a two-stage lateral sinus lift using Alb-PRF gel as the sole graft is a viable, cost-effective, and entirely autologous approach for bone regeneration in severely atrophic maxillae.