Abstract:
Introduction: Aim of this investigation is to show that in sites with less than 4 mm of bone height of the sinus floor, synthetic putty bone graft and simultaneous short implant placement in crestal sinus lifting procedures result in sufficient bone gain, and is a valuable option to the more invasive lateral-window approach.
Case presentation: Four patients missing a single tooth or more in the posterior maxilla with remaining alveolar ridge height of less than 4mm underwent crestal sinus lift procedures with bone grafting using a synthetic putty material simultaneously. Loading of the short implants was done with a minimum of 4 months after placement showing bone growth around the implant and lift of the Schneiderian membrane between 2.3mm – 7.3mm.
Conclusion: Crestal sinus lift, in combination with a short implant and a synthetic putty bone graft, is a good alternative for lateral more invasive sinus lift when the thickness of the sinus floor is less than 4mm.
Keywords: Synthetic putty, Short dental implants, Crestal sinus lift, Summers lift