Sinus augmentation in atrophic maxilla: Lateral window approach

Rehabilitation of edentulous posterior maxillary regions by means of implant placement often poses challenging situations due to inadequate alveolar ridge height and poor bone quality. Since resorption of posterior residual ridge is caused by sinus pneumatization or traumatic extractions, maxillary sinus floor elevation (SFE) and bone augmentation with graft materials remains the method of choice. This scientific, evidence-based, preprosthetic procedure is a corrective technique available for almost two decades in such surgically compromised cases. In this article, we will discuss and review instrumentation by lateral window approach for SFE in conjunction with bone augmentation for delayed implant placement postgraft maturation in the healing period.