SINUS LIFT

A surgical technique for reconstruction of the atrophic posterior maxilla

Sinus lift (also termed sinus floor augmentation) is a surgical technique that aims to thicken (augment) an atrophic sinus floor. Access to the sinus cavity can be gained by preparing a lateral window (lateral approach) or through the ridge crest (crestal approach).

Predictability with various bone substitute materials

Within the sinus lift procedure, access to the sinus cavity is gained and the Schneiderian membrane lining the sinus cavity is carefully detached from the sinus floor. Subsequently, the resulting space is filled with a bone substitute material. Successful outcomes have been reported with different types of bone grafting materials, their choice depends on the treatment concept and healing times.

Lateral sinus lift

According to the lateral approach, a mucoperiosteal flap is prepared to expose the lateral aspect of the maxillary sinus. Access to the sinus cavity is gained by preparing a window, preferably with a diamond burr or piezo instrument. Subsequently, a space between the membrane and the sinus floor is created by carefully detaching the Schneiderian membrane, which is then filled with a bone substitute material.

Crestal sinus lift

If the residual bone height of the alveolar ridge is sufficient to allow the insertion of the implants without affecting the primary stability, augmentation of the sinus floor and implantation can be performed simultaneously in a one-stage procedure.