What is a sinus lift ?

A sinus lift, also known as a sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that involves adding bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars. This is often necessary when there is not enough existing bone to support dental implants. The sinus lift procedure involves creating an opening in the sinus membrane, which is the tissue that lines the sinuses. The opening allows the surgeon to access the area under the sinus membrane and add bone grafting material. The goal of the procedure is to create a thicker and stronger foundation of bone to support the dental implants.

Why is a sinus lift necessary?

A sinus lift may be necessary if you have lost bone in the upper jaw due to periodontal disease, injury, or tooth loss. It may also be necessary if you have maxillary sinusitis, which is an inflammation of the sinuses in the upper jaw. In these cases, there may not be enough bone to support dental implants. A sinus lift can help to create a strong foundation of bone to support the implants, allowing you to have a functional and natural-looking smile.

How is a sinus lift performed?

A sinus lift is typically performed by an oral surgeon or a periodontist. Before the procedure, the surgeon will take a computed tomography (CT) scan to assess the amount of bone in the area and to plan the surgical procedure.

During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the bone. They will then create an opening in the sinus membrane to reach the area under the membrane. Once they have accessed the area, they will use bone grafting material to build up the bone. The bone grafting material may come from a donor, a synthetic material, or your own bone tissue.

After the bone grafting material has been placed, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures and cover it with a bandage. The procedure usually takes about 2-3 hours.

What are the types of sinus lifts?

There are two main types of sinus lift surgery: open sinus lift and closed sinus lift. Both procedures involve adding bone to the upper jaw to create a stronger foundation for dental implants, but they differ in how the sinus membrane is accessed.

An open sinus lift is a more traditional approach that involves making an incision in the gum tissue to access the bone and create an opening in the sinus membrane. This allows the surgeon to add bone grafting material directly to the area under the sinus membrane. The open sinus lift procedure requires a longer recovery time and may cause more discomfort than a closed sinus lift.

A closed sinus lift, also known as a lateral window sinus lift, is a newer, minimally invasive approach. It involves creating a small window in the sinus membrane without making an incision in the gum tissue. This allows the surgeon to access the area under the sinus membrane and add bone grafting material without disturbing the gum tissue. The closed sinus lift procedure has a shorter recovery time and may cause less discomfort than an open sinus lift.

The type of sinus lift surgery that is best for you will depend on the specific needs of your case and the recommendation of your surgeon. It is important to discuss the different options with your surgeon and ask any questions you may have to make an informed decision.

What are the risks of a sinus lift?

Like any surgical procedure, a sinus lift carries some risks. These may include infection, bleeding, and discomfort or pain. The surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to care for your incision and will prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort. It is important to follow these instructions carefully and to use an antimicrobial mouthwash to help prevent infection.

It is also important to note that there is a risk that the bone graft may become dislodged after sneezing or blowing your nose. This is why it is important to follow the surgeon’s instructions for taking care of your incision and for avoiding activities that could put pressure on the area.

How long does it take to heal from a sinus lift?

The time it takes to heal from a sinus lift will depend on several factors, including your overall health, the type of grafting material used, and how well you care for your incision. In general, it takes about 3-9 months for the grafted bone to fully integrate with your existing bone. During this time, you will need to be careful to avoid activities that could put pressure on the area, such as biting down hard or chewing gum. You will also need to follow the surgeon’s instructions for caring for your incision and using an antimicrobial mouthwash to help prevent infection.

Can dental implants be placed after a sinus lift?

Yes, dental implants can usually be placed after a sinus lift. In fact, the goal of a sinus lift is often to create a strong foundation of bone to support dental implants. However, it is important to allow enough time for the grafted bone to fully integrate with your existing bone before placing the implants. This typically takes about 3-9 months.

During this time, you will need to follow the surgeon’s instructions for caring for your incision and using an antimicrobial mouthwash to help prevent infection. You will also need to avoid activities that could put pressure on the area, such as biting down hard or chewing gum.

Once the grafted bone has fully integrated with your existing bone, the dental implants can be placed. The implant surgery is typically performed by an oral surgeon or a periodontist. The procedure involves placing the implants into the grafted bone and attaching them to the gum tissue. After the implants have been placed, it may take several months for them to fully integrate with the bone. During this time, you will need to care for the implants as directed by your surgeon.

In conclusion, a sinus lift is a surgical procedure that involves adding bone to the upper jaw to create a stronger foundation for dental implants. It is a relatively safe procedure with a relatively low risk of complications. However, it is important to follow the surgeon’s instructions for caring for your incision and using an antimicrobial mouthwash to help prevent infection. With proper care, you can expect to fully heal from the sinus lift procedure and enjoy the benefits of dental implants for many years to come.

Sinus lifting is a medical operation which requires significant importance. When you have an implant operation, the necessity of sinus lifting surgery should be checked properly. The surgery definitely must be done by professional experts. Our clinic, Andepol located in Antalya, Turkey, provides high-quality dental equipment and experienced specialists to our foreign clients.