Minimally Invasive Sinus Membrane Elevation Techniques: A Literature Review

Sinus augmentation surgery has become a well-accepted pre-prosthetic procedure for placement of endo-osseous implants in compromised posterior edentulous maxilla. Various procedures for bone augmentation have been used to achieve sufficient bone volume for dental implants with the lateral and crystal surgical approaches being the most common. But these bone augmentation methods, including the conventional lateral maxillary approach and sinus elevation by osteotome, have several limitations. Sinus membrane perforation is one of the most common complications of the sinus lift procedure. Thus, to overcome these limitations various minimally invasive techniques have been introduced. These techniques cause minimal postoperative pain, faster recovery and are more economical due to shorter remission period. Hence, the aim of this review article is to discuss the various minimally invasive maxillary sinus floor elevation techniques introduced.