Crestal sinus augmentation in the presence of an antral pseudocyst

Purpose: Antral pseudocysts classically have a well-defined, hyperdense, unilocular, dome-shaped appearance in radiographs. The best therapeutic approach for treating these cysts in the context of sinus floor augmentation remains controversial. This article presents a new technique that allows both sinus membrane elevation and cyst removal through a crestal approach in patients with pseudocysts in the maxillary sinus. Materials and Methods: The technique combined aspiration of the cysts during sinus floor elevation with a sinus augmentation procedure using a hydraulic sinus elevation system. Aspiration of the cyst fluid was performed through the crestal osteotomy site after sinus floor elevation. Results: Two patients showed a significant amount of bone formation around the implant at the sinus floor without evidence of a recurrent cyst after the procedure. Conclusions: The technique allows the minimally invasive removal of antral pseudocysts at the time of sinus grafting and simultaneous implant placement, preserving the integrity of the sinus membrane.