Placing Implants in a Low Maxillary Sinus Floor

Dr. Avi Shelemay
Periodontist, Ottawa

Though it is quite common for patients to have a low maxillary sinus floor in the molar region, this should not preclude implant-supported restorations being part of the treatment plan.

In this episode of CDA Oasis Live Dr. John O’Keefe, Director of Knowledge Networks CDA, invites Dr. Avi Shelemay, periodontist from Ottawa, to walk through the two main approaches to implant placement in the maxillary molar region with a low sinus floor.

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

• A low maxillary sinus floor is common in the edentulous maxillary molar region but does not preclude implant-supported restorations being part of the treatment plan.
• Grafting to lift the sinus is predictable and usually has no impact on the sinus itself.
• There are two approaches to sinus lift:
  1. Crestal Approach – a simultaneous approach where the sinus is lifted/augmented through the same osteotomy as the implant. Minimum of 5mm bone between crest and sinus floor required.
  2. Lateral Approach – when there less than 5mm of bone, a staged approach is used. Graft is carried out 6 months before implant placement.
• General practitioners play a key role in reassuring patients that implants can be placed safely and predictably in these cases, even when there is minimum bone thickness.

We hope you find the conversation useful. We welcome your thoughts, questions and/or suggestions about this post and other topics. Leave a comment in the box below or send us your feedback by email.

Until next time!
CDA Oasis Team