Sinus Lift
Also called sinus augmentation, a sinus lift is used to add or augment to the bone mass in the upper jaw area – making it easier for dental implants to be placed successfully. A sinus lift surgery involves the addition of bone between the maxillary sinuses and the jaw, which are located on either side of the patient’s nose. The sinus lift procedure is done by a periodontist, or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
This is Dentistry aims to provide you with the information you need about a sinus lift surgery, so you can arm yourself with the knowledge you need even before you can decide on having a sinus lift. This is Dentistry also gives you access to a comprehensive dentist directory where you can look for a qualified dental surgeon in your area, who can address whatever concerns and questions you may have about the sinus lift procedure.
What Conditions Need Sinus Lift Surgery?
The sinus lift procedure is done to address a patient’s concerns in the following cases:
- Patients who have lost significant bone mass in the upper jaw area, usually as a result of losing teeth in the same area. The sinus lift provides an option to augment the bone in this area, so that dental implants can be placed with success.
- A sinus lift surgery can also be used to address the problems of bone loss due to gum or periodontal disease, also usually in preparation for the placement of dental implants to replace lost teeth.
- When the shape and size of a patient’s sinus makes it nearly impossible for dental implants to be placed successfully, a sinus lift procedure can be done to address the problem.
The Sinus Lift Procedure
The dental surgeon will make an incision on the gums in the area where the molars and premolars are; the gum is then lifted to expose the bone underneath. The surgeon will then make a small hole in the bone to expose the sinus membrane, which will then be pushed upwards or "lifted" away from the jaw, freeing up the space needed for the bone-graft material to be pushed through. After the placement of the bone graft material, the gum will be stitched closed; a suitable amount of time – which depends on the material used for the bone graft – will be needed for the bone graft material to successfully integrate with the surrounding bone. The dental implants will then be placed after the successful integration of the bone graft material.
After Sinus Lift
After sinus lift procedures, some complications may arise, including:
- Infection
- Graft failure
- Sinusitis
- Oral antral fistula
- Implants tilting or loosening
It is important to go for regular dental checkups after sinus lift procedures, so the dentist or dental surgeon can monitor the progress of how the sinus graft surgery heals. A successful sinus lift surgery can pave the way for successful dental implants to be placed – and to bright smile with no more missing teeth.
