The osteotome technique: Part 3--Less invasive methods of elevating the sinus floor.

Previous articles in The Compendium (February 1994, April 1994) described the features of the osteotome technique. In the initial article, a procedure that uses osteotomes to elevate the floor of the sinus, called the osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE), was mentioned. This article provides details and case reports on the OSFE. An enhanced version of the OSFE in which bone is added to the osteotomy will also be presented. The author concludes that the OSFE and the bone-added OSFE techniques are suitable means of altering the floor of the sinus so that in many patients, longer implants can be inserted in a less invasive manner.