Implant placement in the posterior maxilla is often limited by the lack of vertical bone height. Maxillary sinus floor elevation is the effective way to resolve the inadequate bone height in the posterior region of the maxilla in order to promote the success of implants. In the 1960s, Philip Boyne recommended the lateral window(LW) approach: Caldwell- Luc technique, elevation of Schneiderian membrane, in order to increase the vertical bone distance. Robert Summers in 1994 introduced the osteotome technique(the transalveolar approach), which is less invasive for sinus floor elevation. Now, The lateral approach and the transalveolar approach developed into two main methods of Sinus Lift technology. This article reviews the historic, present situation and development of sinus lift techniques and discusses the improvement of the operative indication, surgical technique and the surgical instruments.
