Direct Sinus Floor Elevation With Simultaneous Implant Placement for Rehabilitation of the Atrophic Maxilla: A Case Report
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Rehabilitating the posterior maxillary region with dental implants can be challenging because of inadequate residual bone height from alveolar ridge resorption and progressive pneumatization of the maxillary sinus. When residual vertical bone height is inadequate for conventional implant placement, maxillary sinus floor elevation can provide the additional vertical bone required for implant-supported rehabilitation. The lateral-window approach permits direct visualization and controlled elevation of the Schneiderian membrane and is particularly useful when substantial vertical augmentation is required. A patient reported to the Department of Prosthodontics, Crown and Bridge, and Implantology with multiple missing teeth and retained root stumps in the maxillary arch. Clinical examination revealed missing teeth, retained root stumps, and root-canal-treated, grossly carious teeth requiring definitive restorations. Cone-beam computed tomography examination demonstrated approximately 4 mm of residual vertical bone height and 6 mm of buccolingual ridge width in the right posterior maxilla. A staged treatment plan was formulated. A direct sinus lift was performed using a lateral-window approach, followed by simultaneous placement of implants. Both implants achieved good primary stability at the time of placement. Definitive zirconia restorations were subsequently provided for the root-canal-treated teeth and implant-supported sites. This case demonstrates a staged approach for complex posterior maxillary rehabilitation using direct lateral-window sinus augmentation, simultaneous implant placement, controlled graft management, and definitive zirconia prostheses. Within the limitations of the short follow-up period, satisfactory clinical and functional rehabilitation was achieved.
Source: Cureus
Institution: Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University)
Language: English
Subfield: Oral Surgery
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7220745171