Novel Approach for Lateral Window Sinus Membrane Elevation Using Medical Grade Polyurethane Sponges: Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: The lateral window approach for maxillary sinus augmentation is a delicate procedure that can be tedious and time consuming. This case report introduces and describes a novel approach to sinus augmentation using dense medical grade polyurethane sponges to elevate the Schneiderian membrane in a simplified manner with reduced risk for sinus membrane perforation.Case Presentation: A 55‐year‐old female patient was referred for evaluation to replace retained tooth #A with a dental implant. Clinical and radiographic assessment indicated a retained deciduous tooth, pneumatization of the maxillary sinus, and a buccal ridge deformity. Tooth #A was extracted, and sinus elevation was performed via a lateral approach by gradually introducing medical grade dense polyurethane sponges. Expansion of the sponges allowed elevation of the sinus membrane from the lateral, inferior, and medial sinus walls. Bovine bone mineral xenograft was placed into the subantral cavity and the buccal deficiency. A resorbable collagen membrane was positioned over the grafted material, covering the lateral osteotomy window. A total lift of 13.7 mm was achieved according to the cone beam computed tomography images obtained, permitting placement of a 4.1 × 10 mm dental implant.Conclusion: This case report describes a novel approach of elevating the sinus membrane by using dense polyurethane sponges to safely and gently elevate the Schneiderian membrane.