Different techniques in transalveolar maxillary sinus elevation: A literature review

Dental implant treatment in the posterior maxilla encounters bone quality and quantity problems. Sinus elevation is a predictable technique to overcome height deficiency in this area. Transalveolar sinus elevation is a technique that is less invasive and less time-consuming, first introduced for ridges with at least 5 mm of bone height. Many modifications and innovative equipment have been introduced for this technique. This review aimed to explain the modifications of this technique with their indications and benefits. An exhaustive search in PubMed Central and Scopus electronic databases was performed until December 2020. Articles were selected that introduced new techniques for the transalveolar maxillary sinus approach that had clinical cases with full texts available in the English language. Finally, twenty-six articles were included. The data were categorized and discussed in five groups, including expansion-based techniques, drill-based techniques, hydraulic pressure techniques, piezoelectric surgery, and balloon techniques. The operator’s choice for transalveolar approach techniques for sinus floor elevation can be based on the clinician’s skill, bone volume, and access to equipment. If possible, a technique with simultaneous implant placement should be preferred.