Following the loss of a premolar or molar, posterior maxilla bone height is often insufficient for implant placement. Sinus floor elevation creates more bone height, either via a transcrestal approach or through a lateral window.

Augmentation can be conducted before implant placement (two-stage surgery) or simultaneously (single surgery). Posterior maxilla residual bone and sinus anatomy must be analysed before planning the technique and timing of implant placement. The following table shows a simplified summary of the current guidelines^1-5.

Residual bone height >6-12 mm

• transcrestal or lateral window technique
• simultaneous or staged implant placement

Residual bone height <6 mm

• lateral window technique
• second-stage surgery

Sinus floor elevation with graft materials augments posterior maxilla bone before or simultaneously with implant placement.

The high reliability of Geistlich biomaterials for these indications has been shown in more than 200 sinus augmentation studies⁶. Evidence indicates that xenogenous materials produce better long-term results in sinus floor elevation than autogenous bone chips⁷.
Application of a membrane such as Geistlich Bio-Gide^® increases implant survival rate significantly⁸. Geistlich Bio-Gide^® can also be placed to protect a perforated Schneiderian membrane during surgery and healing.

More than 200 sinus augmentation studies document predictable outcomes achieved with Geistlich products⁶.

References:

1. Summers RB Compendium. 1994; 15(2):152, 154-6, 158 passim; quiz 162.
2. Zitzmann NU: Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 1997; 12(6): 844-52.
3. Misch CE: Int J Oral Implantol 1990; 7(1): 9-17.
4. Chiapasco M: Clin Oral Implants Res 2008; 19(4): 416-28.
5. Chen S, et al.: ITI Treatment Guide 2011; Vol 5,  Quintessenz Publishing.
6. Pubmed September 2013. Search term “Bio-Oss” and “Sinus”.
7. Aghaloo TL, Moy PK: Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 2007; 22: 49-70.
8. Pjetursson BE, et al.: J Clin Periodontol 2008; 35 (Suppl. 8): 216-40.