Sinus floor elevation via hydraulic detachment and elevation of the Schneiderian membrane.
OBJECTIVE
Minor sinus floor elevation is a method with relatively high predictability but is technically demanding. Improvement of the technique and increase in the predictability are desirable.


METHODS
A clinical protocol for minor sinus floor elevation with SLA-ITI (large grit acid-etched implants with diameter of 4.8 mm) is described. Using trephine instead of spiral burrs enables the harvesting of autogenous grafts from the implant socket and guarantees a perfect implant socket. The latter is necessary for optimal implant anchoring and for the hydraulic seal between socket and the osteotome. The whole allows a hydraulic detachment of the Schneiderian membrane, where the blood cushion gradually detaches and elevates the membrane, preventing its contact with the graft.


RESULTS
Eight patients were successfully treated with the method described above. No membrane perforation occurred and an uneventful healing was observed in all patients. All implants were loaded prosthodontically 3 months after the implantation.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical protocol presented provides high predictability in clinical outcome, together with extremely low morbidity and shortened surgery.
Vitkov
Ljubomir
L
Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Saarland University, Saarland, Germany. lvitkov@yahoo.com
Gellrich
Nils-Claudius
NC
Hannig
Matthias
M
D000328:Adult; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D015921:Dental Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014207:Trephining / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods
D015921:Dental Implants