Sinus Lift/Sinus Augmentation

A sinus lift (sinus augmentation) means increasing the height of the bone in the upper jaw (molars and premolars area). This procedure is usually performed when sufficient bone density is lacking to support dental implants. Our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Razavi, professionally performs sinus lifting as one of the treatment options to place implants successfully.

Why Might You Need a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift may be required for many reasons. Among these reasons are the following:

If You Have a Maxillary Sinus, That Is Too Close

The possibility of implant penetration increases when the maxillary sinus is close to the upper jaw. To eliminate such dangers, a sinus lift procedure augments and supports the bone, allowing the implant to set securely.

Tooth Loss

Losing a tooth can cause bone deterioration over time. For example, if you lost a tooth a long time ago, the thickness of the bone between the sinuses might have changed.

Tooth Decay That Has Not Been Treated

dental decay can spread to the bone. This deterioration eventually weakens the bone, rendering it unsuitable for an implant. In this case, a sinus lift will give appropriate support before implant placement.

Periodontal Disease

The periodontal disease primarily affects the jaws, resulting in significant bone loss.

Sinus Lift Procedure

The sinus lift procedure typically involves several vital steps to increase the height of the jawbone in the upper jaw. To begin, the patient is given either local anesthesia or intravenous (IV) sedation to numb the area and reduce discomfort during the procedure. Next, a small incision is made in the gum tissue to access the jawbone. Once the jawbone is accessible, the dentist or oral surgeon will create a small window in the sinus membrane and carefully elevate the membrane to create more space in the sinus cavity. This step is done with care to prevent damage to the membrane or adjacent tissues.

After the sinus cavity has been expanded, a bone graft is placed into the sinus cavity, and the membrane is repositioned over the graft. The bone graft may come from the patient’s body or a donor source. Finally, the incision is closed with sutures, and the patient is sent home to recover.

The sinus lift procedure typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete, depending on the case’s complexity.

Care After Sinus Lift Surgery

After the procedure, you should expect discomfort and swelling in the affected area that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice.

The bone graft typically takes several months to integrate with the existing jawbone fully. During this time, patients should follow a soft diet and avoid any activities that could cause trauma to the surgical site, such as smoking, spitting, using a straw and sneezing, and blowing their nose too hard.

Follow-up appointments with the dentist or oral surgeon are also essential to monitor the healing process and ensure that the bone graft integrates with the jawbone. Once the bone has fully integrated, the dentist or oral surgeon can place dental implants in the upper jaw.

Summary

The sinus lift procedure is an effective way to increase the height of the bone in the upper jaw, providing a strong, stable base for dental implants. It involves elevating the sinus membrane, adding a bone graft, and allowing the graft to fuse with the existing jawbone. Aftercare, including following a soft diet, practicing good oral hygiene, and avoiding activities that could cause trauma to the surgical site, is essential to ensure a successful outcome.