Transcrestal Sinus Lift in Basel

In brief: transcrestal sinus lift

An internal sinus lift, also called a transcrestal sinus lift and often associated with theSummers technique) technique, is a minimally invasive method for gaining limited vertical bone height in the posterior upper jaw when some residual bone remains – commonly around 4–7 mm, depending on the case.

Unlike a lateral sinus lift, Unlike the lateral-window approach, no lateral sinus window is created. Instead, the Schneiderian membrane is elevated through the crestal implant osteotomy to create space for a limited augmentation, often during the same appointment as the implant placement in appropriately selected cases.

In our Basel practice, the procedure is planned using 3D imaging (CBCT) and carried out with an atraumatic technique. Bone graft material may be added depending on the anatomy and treatment concept.

When is a transcrestal sinus lift suitable?

• Residual bone height commonly in the range of approximately 4–7 mm, depending on anatomy and the planned implant

• Implant sites in the premolar or molar region of the upper jaw

• When a lateral-window sinus lift is not required

• For patients in whom a less invasive sinus-elevation approach is anatomically suitable

• When simultaneous implant placement can achieve adequate primary stability

Potential Benefits and Treatment Goals

• no lateral window and a smaller surgical access

• Often less postoperative swelling and discomfort than a lateral-window approach, although symptoms vary between patients

• Shorter surgical access

• Simultaneous implant placement may be possible

• Well-documented outcomes when the indication, anatomy and technique are appropriate

• Low complication rates

Treatment Process

1. 3D planning (CBCT)

Residual bone height, sinus anatomy, septa and other relevant structures are assessed.

2. Preparation of the implant site

The implant osteotomy is prepared carefully up to the floor of the maxillary sinus.

3. Controlled elevation of the sinus membrane

• Specialised osteotomes or hydraulic/balloon-assisted techniques may be used

• The membrane is elevated by a few millimetres as required

  
  

4. Placement of graft material

• Autogenous bone, where indicated

• Bone graft material

  
  

5. Implant placement

The implant can often be placed during the same procedure if sufficient primary stability can be achieved in the remaining native bone.

6. Healing

Follow-up is arranged after surgery; loading is usually planned after an individual healing period, often around 3–6 months depending on the starting situation and implant stability.

Scientific Context

• High implant survival with a less invasive approach

  Clinical studies of transcrestal sinus-floor elevation report high implant survival rates, but outcomes vary with technique, residual bone height and follow-up.

  • Del Fabbro M. et al., Clin Implant Dent Relat Res, 2008. PMID: 18694464

• Criteria for simultaneous implant placement

  Adequate residual bone and achievable primary implant stability are central to deciding whether the implant can be placed at the same time.

  • Fugazzotto PA., J Periodontol, 2003. PMID: 12887006

    
    

• Sinus-membrane perforation

  Membrane perforation can occur with any sinus-elevation technique; reported rates vary with technique, anatomy and operator experience.

  • Silva LD. et al., Clin Oral Implants Res, 2006. PMID: 16968382

  
  

• Hydraulic / balloon-assisted elevation

  Hydraulic and balloon-assisted techniques have been investigated as alternatives for controlled membrane elevation.

  • Chen L. et al., Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants, 2016. PMID: 27092347

Costs and Individual Treatment Planning

(depending on technique, graft material and implant planning)

Frequently asked questions

Summary

A transcrestal sinus lift is a tissue-preserving option for creating limited additional bone height in the posterior maxilla when the anatomy is suitable, often together with implant placement.

If you would like to know whether a transcrestal or lateral sinus lift is more appropriate in your case, we can assess the anatomy with 3D planning in Basel and explain the advantages, limitations and alternatives clearly.

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.

Transcrestal 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, All-on-4,Sinuslift (lateral) or Zygomatic implants may also be relevant.You can find further dental services in Basel in our treatment overview.

Literature and Scientific Context

PubMed PMID 34013452 – The survival rate of transcrestal sinus floor elevation combined with short implants: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

PubMed PMID 39098575 – Clinical outcomes of implants placed with transcrestal maxillary sinus elevation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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.