Sinus lift procedure of the maxilla in patients with inadequate bone for dental implants: radiographic appearance.

OBJECTIVE

Dental implants have gained popularity for treating edentulism, but some patients develop jaw atrophy, which leaves insufficient bone for implants. To treat these patients, the sinus lift procedure, which augments bone, was developed. Altered anatomy from this procedure has an unusual radiographic appearance, confusing those unfamiliar with it. We describe the sinus lift procedure and its radiographic appearance.

CONCLUSION

With knowledge of this surgery and some of its pitfalls, radiographs can be more easily and accurately interpreted.