THE LOW WINDOW SINUS LIFT: A CAD-CAM–GUIDED SURGICAL TECHNIQUE FOR LATERAL SINUS AUGMENTATION: A RETROSPECTIVE CASE SERIES

The Low Window technique is effective in reducing the risk of perforation of sinus membrane in lateral sinus augmentation surgery

Recently, a rational design of the window osteotomy, the “Low Window” technique, was proposed to facilitate sinus augmentation and reduce postsurgical patient discomfort; this article aims to evaluate its safety and effectiveness. Records were assessed retrospectively for patients who had sinus lifts using the low window approach, followed by implant placement and prosthetic rehabilitation. Outcomes analyzed were implant and prosthetic success and survival rates and rate of complications. Patients also provided their subjective evaluation on postoperative pain and swelling.  Records of 22 patients who had 28 interventions (79 implants) were assessed. Average follow-up was 38.4 +/- 13.2 months. No cases of intraoperative sinus membrane perforation or other complications occurred, and patients reported a high degree of satisfaction. At the final follow-up, all prostheses and implants were successful. The low window sinus lift seems to be an effective technique for reducing the risk of sinus-membrane perforation and patient postsurgical discomfort in lateral sinus augmentation. Prospective, comparative studies are needed to investigate whether the technique is more advantageous than the traditional lateral osteotomy and flap-preparation approaches.

PRODUCTS USED: Osteoxenon granules