Sinus Lift: Analysis of Schneiderian Membrane Perforations

Abstract

Complications appeared during or after the sinus membrane elevation are under meticulous investigation of different specialists. Among peroperative ones are: sinus membrane perforation, hemorrhage/bleeding, buccal bone fracture, nonachievement of primary stability, and infraorbital nerve injury. Postoperative complications are usually divided into acute and chronic: bleeding, graft leak, wound opening, infections, endosinus extrusion of the implant, and modification of the mucosa. According to Barone et al a Schneiderian membrane (synonym: mucoperiosteal lining of the maxillary sinus) perforation is the most common complication (noted in the 25 percent of performed sinus lifts). Some studies reported even 56 percent of perforation accidents. Two different classifications of sinus membrane perforations are applied according to a 1) lateral or 2) transcrestal sinus floor elevation. In cases of lateral (synonyms: direct, open)4 lift the perforations are divided into IV Classes proposed by Fugazzotto and Vlassis in 2003 which became a simplified version of the 1999`s V Classes Classification developed by the same authors.