Augmentation of the maxillary sinus: a surgical technique.

Specific anatomic and physiologic differences between the maxillary and mandibular arches have presented challenges in restoring the fully or partially edentulous maxilla. These differences include the quality and quantity of available bone at the potential implant site. To address the limitations of the maxillary arch, attempts have been made during the last two decades to improve implant anchorage in this area. Bone grafting techniques and guided bone regeneration have been utilized to augment and improve the maxillary arch. The learning objective of this article is to review the important aspects related to the anatomy and physiology of the maxillary sinus, to discuss the use of various grafting materials, and to describe the technique and current status of the maxillary sinus augmentation procedures. Emphasis is placed upon presentation of the presurgical, surgical, and postsurgical protocol of maxillary sinus augmentation, as performed by the authors.