Abstract

Edentulous ridges in the posterior maxilla are often compromised by reduced bone volume. This anatomic condition often limits dental implant placement of 10 mm in length without prior or simultaneous sinus augmentation. The osteotome technique is an alternative and conservative technique for sinus floor augmentation and immediate implant placement in the posterior region of the maxillary jaw. According to the relevant literature, the osteotome technique appears to be a predictable and safe method for augmenting bone at the sinus floor and to improve bone density and quality of the implant site sufficiently so that immediate loading is possible. A 46-year-old male patient was referred to the authors to replace the single upper premolar with an implant-supported crown restoration without interfering with the integrity and topography of the adjacent gingival tissues. Only one clinical study analyzed minimally invasive implant and sinus lift surgery with immediate loading. In that case report, the osteotomy was widened to its final diameter using a series of incrementally larger twist drills. In our clinical case, a series of incrementally larger diameter osteotomes improved bone density. This simplified treatment modality can make single tooth implant rehabilitation of the atrophic premolar maxilla region more accessible, and immediate loading is facilitated by improved bone density.