Lateral Sinus Lift in Basel

In brief: lateral sinus lift

In the posterior upper jaw, the available bone height may be insufficient for implant placement. This can result from natural sinus anatomy and from post-extraction remodelling of the alveolar ridge.

A lateral-window sinus lift is an established augmentation method for creating additional bone height in the posterior maxilla, particularly when the residual bone height is markedly reduced. When more native bone is available, a less invasive transcrestal approach may sometimes be considered instead.transcrestal (internal) sinus lift may be considered instead.

In our Basel practice, sinus augmentation is planned with CBCT when three-dimensional imaging is indicated. The procedure is performed with careful attention to the Schneiderian membrane, implant position and the conditions required for stable graft healing.

When is a lateral sinus lift considered?

• Markedly reduced residual bone height, often in the range below approximately 3–4 mm, depending on the individual situation

• A broad sinus floor or pronounced sinus pneumatization

• Significant bone loss after tooth extraction

• A need to create sufficient bone volume for planned implants

• Implant treatment in the posterior upper jaw

• Previous inflammatory conditions or cystic lesions in the sinus region that have been appropriately assessed

Potential Benefits and Treatment Goals

• Allows substantial vertical augmentation in cases with markedly reduced posterior maxillary bone

• Well-documented technique with predictable outcomes in appropriately selected cases

• Several millimetres of vertical bone gain may be possible; the achievable amount depends on anatomy and defect configuration

• Can create a stable augmented site for later or simultaneous implant placement

• with adjuncts such as PRF depending on the treatment concept

• Complication rates are generally low in experienced hands, but membrane perforation, sinus-related symptoms, infection and graft complications can occur.

Treatment Process

1. Digital 3D diagnostics (CBCT)

Assessment of:

• Residual bone height

• Shape of the maxillary sinus

• Thickness and condition of the sinus membrane

• Available space in the posterior maxilla

• Sinus anatomy, including septa, mucosal changes or signs requiring further assessment

  
  

2. Lateral-window access

A small bony window is prepared in the lateral wall of the sinus using a controlled surgical technique.

3. Elevation of the sinus membrane

The Schneiderian membrane is carefully elevated from the sinus floor. Maintaining membrane integrity is an important surgical step.

4. Bone augmentation

The space created may be filled with:

• Autogenous bone

• Bone substitute material (e.g. xenogeneic / alloplastic),

• and, in selected cases, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) may be used as an adjunct; its clinical benefit depends on the indication and protocol.

  
  

5. Implant placement

• may be performed simultaneously when sufficient residual bone allows stable implant placement

• or after a healing phase when the initial bone height is very limited

  
  

6. Healing and follow-up

Regular reviews are scheduled during healing and before definitive implant restoration.

Scientific Context

• High implant survival rates:

  Systematic reviews of lateral sinus augmentation generally report high implant survival rates, although outcomes vary with grafting approach, residual bone, implant timing and follow-up.

  • Pjetursson BE et al., Clin Oral Implants Res, 2008. PMID: 18036168

• Documented long-term stability:

  Long-term studies support the use of lateral sinus-floor augmentation for increasing bone volume in the posterior maxilla.

  • Wallace SS & Froum SJ., Ann Periodontol, 2003. PMID: 14971256

• PRF as an adjunct:

  Platelet concentrates such as PRF have been investigated for effects on soft-tissue healing and bone regeneration; their added clinical benefit depends on the indication and protocol.

  • Miron RJ. et al., Clin Oral Investig, 2020. PMID: 32100109

• Sinus-membrane perforation

  is a recognised intraoperative complication; careful technique and appropriate management can often allow treatment to continue.

  • Nolan CP et al., Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2014. PMID: 24280135

• Simultaneous versus staged implant placement:

  Simultaneous placement may be possible when adequate primary implant stability can be achieved; otherwise a staged approach is preferred.

  • Jensen OT et al., J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 1994. PMID: 8005911

    
    

Costs and Individual Treatment Planning

(depending on the extent of augmentation, grafting material, adjuncts and implant plan)

Frequently asked questions

Summary

A lateral-window sinus lift can create additional bone height for implant placement in the posterior upper jaw even when the existing bone is markedly reduced.

If you are unsure whether sinus augmentation is necessary or which technique is most appropriate for your implant treatment, we would be pleased to assess your anatomy and discuss the options with you in Basel using clinical and 3D diagnostic information.

Diagnostics and Planning

For implant treatment, planning starts with the intended final restoration and works backwards. Bone volume, soft tissue, implant position, bite, cleanability and long-term maintenance are assessed together; three-dimensional imaging is used only when it provides additional information relevant to the clinical question.

Limitations, Risks and Alternatives

Implants and augmentation procedures are not equally suitable in every situation. Possible biological and technical complications include inflammation, loss of bone or soft tissue, failure of osseointegration and the need for repairs to the restoration. Smoking, a history of periodontal disease, medical conditions and oral hygiene can influence the risk.

Lateral sinus lift in Basel: experience and clinical context

Implant treatment at Fachzahnarztpraxis Dr. Gasser in Basel is planned from a restorative perspective. Dr Thomas Gasser is a specialist in reconstructive dentistry (SSRD), completed the MAS in Oral Implantology at the University of Zurich and is, among other professional affiliations, a member of the ITI. Complex situations are planned in an interdisciplinary manner when appropriate.More about Dr Thomas Gasser’s training and qualifications.

Related Topics on Our Website

Depending on the individual situation, Sinuslift (transkrestal),Guided Bone Regeneration or All-on-4 may also be relevant.You can find further dental services in Basel in our treatment overview.

Literature and Scientific Context

PubMed PMID 18724852 – A systematic review of the success of sinus floor elevation and survival of implants inserted in combination with sinus floor elevation

PubMed PMID 35737681 – Complications of sinus floor elevation procedure and management strategies: A systematic review

The selected literature provides scientific context. Which findings are relevant to a specific treatment depends on the diagnosis, the starting situation, individual risks and the treatment goals agreed together.