Abstract: The posterior maxilla region is always regarded as the complicated area for dental implant because of insufficient bone volume. The frequently used method for solving this problem is maxillary sinus floor augmentation, which includes transalveolar osteotome technique and lateral window technique. Transcrestal sinus floor augmentation is widely applied because of simple operation, reduced trauma, short healing time and less postoperative discomfort. It is often accompanied by utilizing bone grafting material simultaneously in the early stage. However, transalveolar osteotome technique without bone grafting material has been recommended in recent years on account of the risk of infection, low absorption rate of bone substitutes, and the maxillary sinus re-pneumatization. Many studies have been done on transcrestal sinus floor augmentation with or without grafting material in recent years. This paper reviews the progress on the research of transcrestal sinus elevation with or without grafting material.

Key words: sinus floor elevation, transcrestal sinus elevation, dental implant, grafting material