Transcrestal sinus floor elevation: report of a case series

The technique of the osteotome-mediated transcrestal sinus floor elevation is described in a series of case reports. Fifty-five patients received a total of 66 implants over a period of 6 years. Bio-Oss was added in more than 60% of cases to increase the stability of the lifted area. The surgical procedure appeared to be a safe method that was well supported by the patients. It was applied for different prosthetic indications in partially and completely edentulous situations. The survival rate of the implants during the healing phase was 98.5%, and it was 100% after loading. The patients' responses to the Summers technique were evaluated by means of short interviews and visual analog scales (VAS), and the answers were compared with those from a group of patients who had received implants in the same location during the same period but without the osteotome technique. The answers regarding pain were not different between the groups. However, significantly more patients who had received the implants by means of the osteotome technique judged the surgical procedure as highly uncomfortable. It is concluded that patients need to be well prepared for the procedure.