Sinus/alveolar crest tenting (SACT): a new technique for implant placement in atrophic maxillary ridges without bone grafts or membranes.

An adequate amount of bone, in both width and height, is required for successful implant placement. When alveolar ridges are severely resorbed, the bone volume must be increased before implants may be placed. A variety of grafting techniques that successfully remedy this limitation have been developed, but they often require multiple surgical procedures and a prolonged healing time. This article describes the sinus/alveolar crest tenting technique, which permits successful implant placement in the severely atrophic posterior maxilla without bone grafts or membranes. Clinical healing is complete after 6 months.