A new technique for the transcrestal sinus floor elevation and alveolar ridge augmentation with press-fit bone cylinders: a technical note.

BACKGROUND: The minimally invasive sinus floor elevation as first described by Summers is limited in the volume of augmentation that is possible. In contrast, the more invasive approach is the sinuslift of Tatum which is indicated for greater bone deficiencies. Therefore, a new technique was developed for transcrestal elevation of the sinus floor and alveolar ridge augmentation with bone dowels in press-fit technique.

MATERIALS & METHODS: The crestal cortical bone is cut with a hollow grinder followed by an indirect sinus floor elevation with a plunger. The cylindrical defect is then filled with a cylindrical bone transplant with the press-fit technique.

RESULTS: The method was tested in ten fresh porcine skulls and was successful when applied subsequently in two fresh human cadavers (both female, age 60 and 92 years). This was followed by the insertion of another cylinder in overlapping mosaic manner with the dowel-lift technique in the left maxilla in one cadaver. A sinoscopy of the second cadaver experiment showed no perforation of the maxillary sinus membrane. The result was convincing.

CONCLUSION: A new method for transcrestal elevation of the maxillary sinus floor and alveolar ridge augmentation with bone cylinders in press-fit technique was developed. The operation combines the minimally invasive approach of Summers with a large augmentation volume otherwise requiring the direct technique of Tatum. These results should encourage further preclinical experiments.