Clinical Feasibility of Autogenous Lateral Sinus Wall Bone Plate for Ridge Augmentation: A Surgical Innovation

This technical innovation describes a surgical approach that reuses autogenous bone plates harvested from the lateral maxillary sinus wall during lateral sinus floor elevation for simultaneous ridge augmentation. The technique integrates sinus augmentation and bone harvesting within a single operative field, eliminating the need for a secondary donor site. The harvested bone plate is polished and fixed to form a rigid cortical shell, following the principles of the bone shell technique. Clinical application in a preliminary case series demonstrated predictable bone regeneration, with horizontal bone gain of 4.18 (2.44) mm and a resorption rate of 11.96 (11.57) % at 1 mm apical to the alveolar crest. Mean harvested bone plate thickness was 1.20 (0.36) mm. No major complications were observed, and all implants were successfully placed after healing. The lateral maxillary sinus wall represents a viable donor site, enabling effective augmentation while avoiding additional donor-site morbidity.