Fig. 1

CT scan before sinus graft. The original bone thickness from the alveolar ridge to the sinus floor was approximately 1–2 mm in average (a). CT image after maxillary sinus augmentation (b). A postoperative image for estimating the dental implant placement site (c). Photograph obtained after harvesting the bone cores and preparation for dental implant placement (d). Hydroxyapatite particles are visible in the lateral window. The operated sinus floors did not shown signs of inflammation. Scale  1 mm