Background and objectives : Sinus augmentation procedures commonly employ osteoconductive scaffolding materials to stimulate and support bone formation. The aim of this study was to develop a simple screening methodology for the evaluation of the osteoconductive potential of various bone graft materials prior to clinical use.

Materials and methods : Materials tested were Bio-Oss, Bi-Ostetic, OraGraft, and ProOsteon. These simple and composite bone substitutes were embedded with osteoprogenitor cells derived from either the human maxillary sinus schneiderian membrane (hMSSM) or from maxillary tuberosity bone marrow (MTB) and then monitored both in vitro and in vivo .

Results : Cell adherence and proliferation was most pronounced in OraGraft, followed by ProOsteon. In vivo bone formation, within the bone graft, was also observed, with most marked results in OraGraft and ProOsteon grafts.

Conclusions : The proposed osteoconductivity testing method proved simple, informative and reliable for the purpose of screening candidate biomaterials for sinus lifting or sinus augmentation.

Key words : biomaterials; bone; osteoprogenitors; screening; sinus augmentation