The sinus lift graft: basic technique and variations

Following an early controversy concerning its efficacy, the sinus lift and graft technique is now considered to be a state-of-the-art surgery. In 1975, Tatum introduced the technique that increased maxillary bone height by placing graft material under the maxillary sinus and Schneiderian membrane; by the early 1990s, a modification of Tatum's original technique had become a standard procedure. This article describes and illustrates three variations of the basic sinus lift surgery and graft operation--the hinge osteotomy, the elevated osteotomy, and the complete osteotomy. Additional considerations affecting the surgical outcome are also discussed as is the management of possible complications. The learning objective of this article is to obtain up-to-date information regarding the basic technique and variations of the sinus lift procedure to the general practitioner as well as the specialist.