Maxillary sinus augmentation procedures: a hierarchial review

Maxillary sinus pnematization secondary to posterior maxillary tooth loss is an extremely common finding. Significant atrophy of the maxilla prevents dental implant placement in this region. Grafting the floor of the maxillary sinus has emerged as the most common surgical modality for correcting this inadequacy. Graft material is introduced into the space created inferior to the sinus membrane. Various grafting materials and techniques might be used in this procedure. The aim of this article is to review the anatomy and essentials of maxillary sinus augmentation, explain its function, describe the augmentation materials, techniques, and complications. Literature is reviewed that discusses treatment results following Cauldwel Luc approach sinus augmentation therapy or osteotome sinus augmentation therapy, with and without simultaneous implant placement. A hierarchy of treatment selection for the augmentation of the posterior maxilla, based upon quantity and position of residual alveolar bone crestal to the floor of the sinus, is proposed.