An overview of maxillary sinus elevation: Anatomically weak structures, complications, and managements

Abstract

During implant surgery, when there's insufficient bone in the posterior maxillary region, maxillary sinus elevation is necessary. However, the maxillary sinus contains several anatomically weak structures. Since the surgery is complicated, insufficient understanding of the maxillary sinus anatomy and potential complications can lead to serious consequences such as sinus perforation, ultimately causing implant failure. Depending on surgical methods and indications, maxillary sinus elevation is primarily divided into elevation through alveolar ridge and lateral sinus floor elevation. During surgery, attention should be paid to the course of vessels and nerves, sinus floor morphology, bone thickness, mucosal positioning, and septa within the maxillary sinus. During the surgical process, some complications may occur, such as mucosal perforation, inflammation, bleeding, dizziness, etc. Clarifying their managements in advance helps to improve the success rate of implantation. This article reviewed the anatomically weak structures, potential complications, and their managements to offer clinical treatment strategies.