Evaluation of preoperative model surgery and the use of a maxillary sinus surgical template in sinus floor augmentation surgery

Maxillary sinus augmentation is an accepted technique for dental implant placement in presence of insufficient maxillary bone. There are various techniques in the literature, either by crestal or lateral approach in maxillary sinus augmentation that have high percentage of success, while all have complications. Schneiderian membrane perforation is the most common complication encountered during surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of preoperative model surgery and the ease of use of a maxillary sinus surgical template (MSST) during maxillary sinus augmentation surgery with a lateral approach. Ten patients included in the study needed rehabilitation of a partially or totally edentulous maxilla with an implant-supported fixed prosthesis and requiring sinus augmentation. A questionnaire was asked to performing surgeons, and study results showed the use of an MSST was found to be effective in terms of adaptation (62.5%), window preparation (87.5%), ease of elevation (95.9%), ease of grafting (95.9%), reduction of perforation risk (91.7%), and achieving immobility during the procedure (62.5%); however, the use of an MSST was also found to prolong the surgical procedure (100%) and restrict the view of the surgical area (79.2%). Maxillary sinus augmentation appears to be a useful tool for locating an appropriate entrance to the sinus cavity, allowing for safe elevation of the sinus membrane and effectively grafting the sinus floor.