Chia-Yu (Jennifer) Chen
Predoctoral Director in Periodontology
Assistant Professor of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity
Predictable Sinus Augmentation: Surgical Anatomy, Technique Selection, and Complication Management
Date and Time
November 14, 2026
08:00AM - 04:00PM EST
Location
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
188 Longwood Avenue, Boston
Maxillary sinus augmentation remains one of the most predictable procedures for implant rehabilitation in the posterior maxilla—but success depends on more than technical execution.
This intensive one-day program brings together Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) faculty from periodontology and oral and maxillofacial surgery to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to sinus floor elevation. Through evidence-based lectures and an immersive hands-on workshop, participants will develop practical skills in lateral window and crestal (transalveolar) sinus augmentation while learning strategies to prevent and manage surgical complications.
Program details
| Format | Capacity | Tuition | Registration deadline | CE credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Live, in-person lecture and hands-on workshop | Limited to 50 participants | Early bird $795 (through 9/18) Standard: $895 | November 13, 2026 | 6 ADA CERP Credits |
Who should attend?
This program is designed for:
- General dentists placing or planning to place implants
- Periodontists
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
- Prosthodontists
- Implant fellows
- Advanced residents and fellows with implant surgery experience
Why attend
- Interdisciplinary faculty from oral and maxillofacial surgery and periodontology
- Evidence-based protocols supported by current literature
- Interactive case discussions and treatment planning
- Maxillary sinus anatomy and physiology
- CBCT interpretation and surgical planning
- Lateral window and crestal sinus elevation techniques
- Graft selection and implant timing
- Prevention and management of surgical complications
Participants will practice:
- Piezoelectric lateral window preparation
- LAS lateral approach techniques
- CAS hydraulic crestal sinus elevation
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:
- Interpret maxillary sinus anatomy and CBCT findings to support safe surgical planning.
- Differentiate the indications, advantages, and limitations of lateral window and crestal sinus augmentation techniques.
- Select appropriate grafting materials and determine optimal implant placement timing.
- Perform predictable sinus elevation procedures using contemporary surgical techniques and instrumentation.
- Recognize, prevent, and manage common surgical complications.
- Apply evidence-based decision-making to posterior maxillary implant treatment planning.
HSDM faculty
Daniel Choi
Instructor in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Wahn Khang
Lecturer on Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity
Zachary S. Peacock
Chair, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Walter C. Guralnick Associate Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Program Schedule
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
8:00–8:45 AM | Registration and breakfast |
8:45–9:00 AM | Welcome remarks by Dr. Zach Peacock |
9:00–10:00 AM | Surgical anatomy and CBCT-based treatment planning |
10:00–11:00 AM | Lateral window sinus augmentation: Step-by-step surgical protocol |
11:00–11:15 AM | Break |
11:15 AM–12:15 PM | Crestal sinus elevation and complication management |
12:15–1:00 PM | Networking Lunch |
1:00–4:00 PM | Hands-on workshop |
Morning scientific program
Explore the scientific principles and evidence-based techniques that underpin predictable sinus augmentation. Each session combines current research with practical clinical guidance from HSDM faculty.
Faculty: Dr. Zach Peacock
Topics covered
- Maxillary sinus anatomy and physiology
- Schneiderian membrane biology
- Vascular risk assessment
- CBCT interpretation
- Preoperative treatment planning
Key takeaways
- Identify critical anatomical structures on CBCT.
- Assess patient-specific risk factors.
- Apply systematic protocols to reduce complications.
Faculty: Dr. Dan Choi
Topics covered
- Case selection
- Flap design
- Rotary versus piezo instrumentation
- Membrane elevation
- Graft placement
- Implant timing
Key takeaways
- Select appropriate indications.
- Perform predictable lateral window procedures.
- Optimize graft selection and implant timing.
Faculty: Dr. Wahn Khang
Topics covered
- Osteotome techniques
- Hydraulic elevation
- Controlled reamer systems
- Complication management algorithms
Key takeaways
- Perform minimally invasive sinus elevation.
- Prevent membrane perforation.
- Apply evidence-based complication management.
Hands-On Workshop
Under faculty guidance, participants will rotate through three focused surgical stations.
| Station | Focus | Skills Practiced |
|---|---|---|
Station 1 | Piezo Lateral Window Preparation | Window design, piezo osteotomy preparation, and Schneiderian membrane elevation. |
Station 2 | LAS Kit Techniques | Instrument sequencing, membrane preservation, surgical efficiency, and tactile awareness. |
Station 3 | CAS Hydraulic Sinus Elevation | Controlled membrane elevation, hydraulic pressure management, and predictable crestal sinus augmentation. |
Hands-On Learning Outcomes
Participants will rotate through three faculty-guided surgical stations designed to reinforce the morning's scientific sessions through supervised, hands-on practice. Working with contemporary instrumentation, participants will refine their surgical technique while receiving individualized instruction from Harvard School of Dental Medicine faculty.
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Prepare a properly positioned lateral window using multiple instrumentation techniques.
- Perform controlled Schneiderian membrane elevation while recognizing early signs of membrane compromise.
- Execute crestal sinus elevation using appropriate sequencing, depth control, and hydraulic pressure principles.
Registration
Join HSDM faculty for an immersive educational experience designed to improve surgical confidence, minimize complications, and enhance the predictability of posterior maxillary implant therapy.
Program details, including schedule and speakers, are subject to change.