Maxillary sinus augmentation by crestal approach and ultrasound

Background One of the most frequent causes of failure during maxillary sinus floor augmentation is rupture of the Schneiderian membrane, the laceration of which affects its graft containment function. Ultrasound surgery came into widespread use with the aim of reducing the incidence of complications, due to its specific ability to cut hard tissues with extreme precision and less trauma, thus reducing the risk of lacerating the soft tissues. Case series For this study an ultrasound technique for maxillary sinus augmentation surgery by crestal approach was proposed to 10 volunteer patients. The technique employs cylindrical diamond inserts mounted on ultrasonic instruments, which are able to cut the hard tissues, such as bone, without damaging the soft tissues, such as the Schneiderian membrane. The cortical bone of the maxillary sinus is reduced until the sinus is accessed and the Schneiderian membrane is lifted toward the inside of the cavity. Discussion and conclusion The working times for cortical bone reduction are shorter and percussion trauma is avoided. Reduced trauma and low invasiveness allow us to propose this technique as a valid and practical alternative to those hitherto known and applied.