Lateral approach for maxillary sinus floor elevation: from treatment planning and biomaterial selection to safe and predictable surgery

Explore lateral maxillary sinus floor elevation through clinical cases, from diagnosis and treatment planning to surgical execution, complication management, and evidence-informed selection and use of augmentation biomaterials.

This case-based webinar will present a practical workflow for maxillary sinus floor elevation using the lateral approach. It will cover patient assessment, interpretation of preoperative CBCT, surgical access and window design, elevation of the Schneiderian membrane, graft placement, lateral window management, and decisions on simultaneous or staged implant placement.

Particular attention will be given to augmentation biomaterials: their composition, handling, resorption and remodeling characteristics, and the clinical evidence supporting their use. Mineral and collagen-containing materials will be discussed within this framework. Clinical cases will illustrate the rationale for treatment choices and the recognition and management of complications, including membrane perforation.

By the end of the webinar, participants should be able to:

1. Identify anatomical and clinical factors that influence lateral sinus augmentation planning.
2. Describe the principal steps of lateral access and Schneiderian membrane elevation.
3. Explain how residual native bone and primary stability inform implant-placement timing.
4. Compare biomaterials using composition, handling, remodeling behavior and clinical evidence.
5. Recognize membrane perforation and outline case-dependent management options.