Minimizing the risks in maxillary sinus floor elevations by using piezosurgical technology

Crestal bone resorption coupled with pneumatization of the maxillary sinus are often evident after the loss of posterior maxillary teeth. This often leads to insufficient quantity of bone for dental implant placement. Lateral and crestal sinus floor elevations are widely used today in order to reconstruct the atrophied posterior maxillae.

Radiographic technology is a major tool for planning sinus elevations. Anatomical variations such as height of residual crest, thickness of vestibular wall and depth of the sinus should often be evaluated and guide the practitioner in choosing the appropriate sinus floor elevation technique. The presence of septa and the position of the alveolo-antral artery should also be detected radiographically in order to prevent potential perforations of the sinus mucosa and hemorrhagic complications.
Although rotary instruments were usually used during sinus floor elevations, piezoelectric surgery currently represents the technique of choice for lateral window preparation, crestal sinus access and sinus membrane elevation. Due to their selective action, ultrasonic instruments have proven to be very precise and efficient during osteotomy while being very conservative towards soft tissues thus reducing mucosal perforations and hemorrhagic complications.

During this presentation, we will present the latest tips and advances in both lateral and crestal sinus floor elevation techniques. The importance of new advances and technologies, such as radiographic planning, the use of piezosurgery and the proper choice of implant, will be exposed. These clinical advances will play a major in reducing risks and complications related to sinus grafting procedures while preserving maximum clinical efficiency.

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