Graft-Free Sinus Lift Using a Resorbable Magnesium Membrane vs. Standard Grafting Protocol: A Bilateral Case Report with Histological Evaluation

Objective: To present a split-mouth bilateral case report comparing a graft-free sinus lift technique developed by C.S. and A.P. using a resorbable magnesium membrane with a standard lateral sinus augmentation using xenograft and collagen membrane. The two approaches were evaluated through clinical, radiographic, and histological outcomes. Methods: A healthy 68-year-old female patient underwent bilateral sinus augmentation in the posterior maxilla. On the right side, a standard sinus lift was performed using a xenogeneic bone graft in combination with a resorbable collagen membrane. On the left side, a graft-free approach was done using only a resorbable magnesium membrane to support the elevated sinus membrane. Results: After a six-month healing period, implants were placed, and bone core biopsies were harvested for histological evaluation. Histological analysis revealed 56.4% newly formed bone in the graft-free magnesium membrane site and 22.5% in the grafted control site. A two-year radiological follow-up confirmed complete bone maturation and implant stability on both sides. Conclusions: This case promotes the potential of a graft-free sinus lift approach using a resorbable magnesium membrane as a promising alternative to conventional grafting protocols. The beneficial clinical, radiological and histological outcomes suggest that this technique may simplify the sinus augmentation procedure and should be further explored in larger clinical studies.