Fabrication of a Surgical Guide for Lateral Sinus Augmentation

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans are used in planning implant treatment to help determine volume of available bone and identify anatomical structures. This enhances planning, particularly when inadequate bone is present in the posterior maxilla due to proximity of the inferior aspect of the maxillary sinus to the crestal bone. To place dental implants into this area, sinus augmentation is often needed to provide sufficient bone volume to support implants and allow prosthetic loading with predictable long-term results. Use of surgical guides for implant placement and sinus augmentation aids the practitioner in providing precision treatment. This article will discuss a method for fabrication of a surgical guide to transfer CBCT information intraorally to enable creation of a precisely placed lateral sinus window.