Sinus-lift graft: using the maxillary sinuses to support implants

Often, the posterior region of the maxilla lacks the alveolar bone necessary to maintain an implant-supported prosthesis. The authors outline a procedure to augment the maxillary ridge using a composite alloplastic bone graft. The procedure also enables the practitioner to place implants at the time of the graft, reducing the surgical and healing time for the patient. Within six to 12 months of the bone graft, the patient can wear a fixed, implant-supported prosthesis. The authors report that patients who have been treated with this procedure have maintained stable implant prostheses for over five years.