Surgical intervention to reestablish adequate intermaxillary space before fixed or removable prosthodontics

Supraeruption of the right maxillary molars and concomitant drop of the alveolar ridge resulted in loss of intermaxillary space. With the patient under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, a posterior segmental osteotomy was performed, on an outpatient basis, to reposition this segment superiorly into the maxillary sinus. Stabilization was accomplished with a prefabricated acrylic splint. The patient quickly resumed her daily routine with normal postoperative healing and satisfactory intermaxillary space.