Sinus Augmentation
A surgical procedure to increase bone volume in the posterior maxilla by elevating the Schneiderian membrane and placing bone-grafting material beneath it. Also called a sinus lift or sinus floor elevation.
Full Definition
Sinus augmentation (sinus lift, sinus floor elevation) is a pre-implant surgical technique used when the posterior maxillary alveolus has insufficient vertical bone height due to pneumatisation of the maxillary sinus following tooth loss. The Schneiderian membrane lining the sinus floor is carefully elevated and the space filled with autogenous bone, allograft, xenograft, or alloplast, either alone or in combination. Two main approaches exist: the lateral window technique (for large augmentations) and the transcrestal (osteotome) technique (for smaller gains). Editors should note 'Schneiderian membrane' takes an initial capital (eponym). The terms 'sinus lift,' 'sinus augmentation,' and 'sinus floor elevation' are interchangeable but should be used consistently within a document.
Usage
Usage note: 'Schneiderian membrane' must be capitalised (eponym). Use one term consistently throughout; flag mid-document switches between 'sinus lift' and 'sinus augmentation.'
In Context
- "Sinus augmentation using a lateral window approach was performed 6 months prior to implant placement." — Surgical case report
- "The author alternated between 'sinus lift' and 'sinus floor elevation'; the editor standardized to 'sinus augmentation' throughout." — Copy-editing log