Title:Novel Devices to Prevent Membrane Perforation in Transcrestal Sinus Floor Augmentation Surgery
Volume: 6
Issue: 3
Author(s): Linda Schwarz, Ewald Unger, Georg Watzek and Bernhard Pommer
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Autologous bone graft, atrophic jaw, balloon catheter, dental implants, surgical complication, maxillary sinus,
schneiderian membrane, sinus floor elevation.
Abstract: Bone volume available for dental implant placement in the posterior maxilla is frequently reduced by maxillary
sinus expansion and resorption of the alveolar ridge following tooth loss. Internal bone augmentation of the sinus floor is
routinely performed by elevation of the maxillary sinus membrane via a lateral or transcrestal approach. The key issue in
minimally invasive transcrestal techniques is the avoidance of membrane perforation in the course of osteotomy and
membrane elevation. Novel devices to reduce the risk of membrane perforation have been recently developed and protected
by patents. The present review presents recent sinus membrane elevation techniques (balloon-mediated elevation,
hydraulic injection, gel-pressure technique) as well as new approaches to prevent sinus membrane perforation during transcrestal
osteotomy (lasers, piezoelectric devices, auto-stop drills). The overview of patented designs is supplemented by
an outlook on future surgical techniques and technical possibilities in transcrestal sinus floor augmentation surgery.
