Slit-Window Technique: An Innovation That Simplifies Lateral Sinus Floor Elevation

IntroductionImplant placement in an atrophic posterior maxilla is challenging due to sinus pneumatization and presence of insufficient bone volume. Sinus floor elevation (SFE) is a feasible approach to increase the available alveolar bone dimensions. It is known that the maxillary sinus has a potential for healing and bone formation without the need of bone grafts or bone substitutes. However, current graft-free sinus SFE approaches are technique sensitive and non-reliable in consistent bone formation. This paper introduces the slit-window technique as a novel and simple technique to perform graft-free sinus floor elevation. Case PresentationA 66-year-old male presented with edentulous regions in the posterior maxilla and bilateral sinus pneumatization. The treatment included SFE using the graft-free slit-window technique on the right site and traditional lateral SFE with bone augmentation on the left site. Two implants were placed simultaneously during sinus lift procedures in each side. The slit-window technique was performed using a rigid barrier membrane in conjunction with stabilizing bony slits to tent the Schneiderian membrane superiorly. Healing was uneventful for implants in both sides. Six months postoperatively, the amount of bone formation in the non-grafted site was comparable to that of the grafted site. ConclusionSlit-window sinus floor elevation procedure is a simple technique to elevate the floor of the sinus without the need for bone grafting.