Crestal Sinus Lift: Complications and Their Management – Claudio Stacchi, DDS, MSc

Join us on October 22nd, 2025

Description:

Crestal sinus lift is a surgical procedure used to increase bone volume in the posterior region of the upper jaw, making it possible to place dental implants. However, this technique can involve several potential complications, both intraoperative and postoperative.

The most common complication during the procedure is perforation of the sinus membrane, which can lead to graft material dispersing into the sinus cavity, significantly increasing the risk of infection. In the postoperative period, patients may experience infections, sinusitis, and complications related to graft integration, such as resorption or failure of the graft material to integrate.

Upon completion of this presentation, participants should be able to:
1) Identify intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with the crestal sinus lift technique, including their incidence and clinical implications.
2) Explain the pathophysiology and clinical consequences of sinus membrane perforation.
3) Discuss evidence-based protocols for the prevention and management of crestal sinus lift complications.

Claudio Stacchi, DDS, MSc

Dr. Stacchi graduated with his degree in Dentistry (DDS) and specialized in Oral Surgery (MSc) at the University of Trieste (Italy). He has served as an Adjunct professor in Oral Implantology since 2007 at the School of Dentistry and at the Post-Graduate Program in Oral Surgery at the University of Trieste. Since 2022 he achieved the National Scientific Qualification (ASN) as Full Professor. He has authored around 100 articles on impacted international journals.

His professional practice is limited to Periodontology and Implantology at the Dental Clinic of the University of Trieste (Italy) and at his private office in Gorizia (Italy).

Dr. Favagehi has indicated the following financial relationships:
Zimvie, Implant Direct, Deka Laser – speaker, received honoraria
This lecture will present off-label use: Use of different lasers in management of the mucogingival complex around implants.

Dr. Lepidi has indicated the following financial relationships:

Resista, Megagen, Mectron, Tecnoss – speaker, received honoraria

Resista – performed research

Relevant literature for further information:

Classification of Sinus Membrane Perforations Occurring During Transcrestal Sinus Floor Elevation and Related Treatment. Tavelli L, Borgonovo AE, Saleh MH, Ravidà A, Chan HL, Wang HL. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2020;40(1):111-118. doi: 10.11607/prd.3602.

Prevention and management of intra-operative complications in maxillary sinus augmentation: A review. Valentini P, Stacchi C. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2025;27(1):e13397. doi: 10.1111/cid.13397.

Intraoperative complications and early implant failure after transcrestal sinus floor elevation with residual bone height ≤5 mm: A retrospective multicenter study. Stacchi C, Bernardello F, Spinato S, Mura R, Perelli M, Lombardi T, Troiano G, Canullo L. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2022;33(8):783-791. doi: 10.1111/clr.13959.