Effect of staged crestal maxillary sinus augmentation: A case series

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Regenerative Dentistry

Background:

• Lateral window approach is standard for sinus augmentation with ≤5 mm bone height.
• Crestal sinus augmentation (CSA) offers a less invasive alternative preferred by patients.
• Limited bone height cases previously utilized staged CSA techniques.

Observation:

• Nineteen subjects (28 sinuses) with 4-6 mm initial bone height underwent two-stage CSA.
• First stage: 0.3 mL graft material; Second stage: 0.2 mL or 0.4 mL graft material.
• Maxillary sinus membrane thickness decreased by an average of 1.6 mm before the second surgery.

Findings:

• No major membrane perforation occurred with initial 0.2 mL filling; one perforation with 0.4 mL.
• Average bone elevation achieved: 6.69 mm (total 0.5 mL graft) and 8.11 mm (total 0.7 mL graft).
• The two-stage CSA technique effectively elevated bone height to 6-8 mm in limited bone scenarios.

Implications:

• Staged CSA is an effective method for sinus augmentation in cases with 4-6 mm residual bone height.
• This technique avoids major membrane perforations, offering a safer alternative to lateral window approaches.
• The two-stage approach necessitates two surgical procedures but provides a less invasive option for patients.