A Novel Aid to Elevation of the Sinus Membrane for the Sinus Lift Procedure

A maxillary sinus augmentation graft floor can increase vertical bone height for implant placement in patients with a pneumatized sinus. A simple technique can make this routine procedure even more predictable. After the sinus membrane has been adequately reflected, a cottonoid soaked with 1 carpule of 2% Lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and left in place for 5 to 15 minutes in each maxillary sinus can help create vasoconstriction and hemostasis. By arresting the oozing type of bleeding from the sinus membrane and the floor of the maxillary sinus, the cottonoid technique enhances direct visualization of the sinus and sinus membrane, further reflects the sinus membrane bluntly and gently with minimal risk of a membrane perforation, and serves as a volume indicator to assess the graft volume required.