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A sinus lift is a bone grafting procedure that increases the amount of bone in the upper jaw. Bone materials are placed between the maxillary sinus and the top of your upper jaw. This surgery is sometimes necessary if there is not enough bone in the upper jaw to support a dental implant.
This blog will explore the benefits of sinus lift surgery, how it works, and what you can expect from the procedure.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Sinus Lift?
- Why Is a Sinus Lift Necessary?
- Sinus Lift and Dental Implants
- The Sinus Lift Procedure
- Recovery and Aftercare
- The Benefits of Sinus Lift Surgery
- Risks and Considerations
- Restore Your Smile With Oral Facial & Implant Specialists
Key Takeaway
A sinus lift surgery is necessary if there is not enough bone in the upper jaw to support a dental implant.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars.
It’s typically performed when there is insufficient bone height in the upper jaw, or when the sinuses are too close to the jawbone, making it difficult to place dental implants.
During the procedure, the sinus membrane is gently lifted, and bone graft material is added between the jaw and the sinus cavity. Over time, this new bone integrates with the existing bone, creating a stable foundation for dental implants.
Why Is a Sinus Lift Necessary?
A sinus lift is often recommended for patients who have experienced bone loss due to missing teeth, gum disease, or natural anatomical variations, and who wish to receive implants in the upper back jaw area.
Bone loss in this area is common because the bone in the upper jaw tends to be thinner than in other parts of the mouth. Factors that contribute to bone loss include:
- Tooth loss: Missing upper teeth, particularly molar teeth, can lead to bone resorption.
- Bone density: The upper jaw bone naturally has less density than the lower jaw.
- Age and trauma: Bone loss can also occur due to aging, injury, or conditions like birth defects.
Sinus Lift and Dental Implants
Dental implants require a stable foundation of bone to integrate with the jaw and support the implant properly.
Without sufficient bone, implant procedures may fail, or the implants may not be stable long-term. A sinus lift resolves this issue by using bone graft material to increase bone volume and support implant placement.
How It Works
- Sinus membrane elevation: A special tool is used to gently enter the cavity created by the missing tooth. The sinus membrane is lifted to expand the space and make room for the bone graft.
- Bone graft placement: Bone graft material, which may be synthetic or natural, is placed into the sinus cavity.
- Healing period: After the graft is placed, bone formation begins, typically taking 4–6 months before implant placement.
The Sinus Lift Procedure
The sinus lift procedure is straightforward and performed by a qualified oral surgeon.
- Preparation: Your oral surgeon will review your oral health, take images, and plan the best approach.
- Surgical techniques: The most common technique is the lateral window technique, where a small window is made in the sinus floor to lift the sinus membrane.
- Bone grafting: Once the sinus membrane is elevated, bone graft material is placed to stimulate bone growth.
- Healing period: After the procedure, it takes several months for the bone graft to integrate with the natural bone.
Types of Bone Grafts
- Autogenous bone: Taken from your own body.
- Allogenic bone: Donor bone graft material.
- Synthetic materials: Man-made substitutes for natural bone.
Recovery and Aftercare
The healing process is vital for successful dental implant placement.
What to Expect
- Healing period: You will need to allow 4–6 months for bone formation before dental implants can be placed.
- Postoperative care: Your oral surgeon will provide guidelines for aftercare. You will need to avoid strenuous activities, follow a soft food diet and follow a strict oral hygiene routine.
The Benefits of Sinus Lift Surgery
Sinus lift surgery provides long-lasting benefits for patients who want dental implants but lack the necessary bone structure.
Key benefits
- Restores bone height: Increases bone volume for successful implant placement.
- Prevents bone resorption: Stops further bone loss in the upper jaw.
- Improves oral health: Supports the placement of dental implants, restoring function and aesthetics to your smile.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, sinus lift surgery has risks, but they are typically minimal.
Potential risks
- Sinus tear: A tear in the sinus membrane may occur, but it can usually be repaired.
- Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, which can be managed with antibiotics.
- Graft failure: In rare cases, the bone graft may not integrate with your natural bone.
Restore Your Smile With Oral Facial & Implant Specialists
Sinus lift surgery is a proven treatment option for patients with insufficient bone in their upper jaw. If you have lost a tooth in the upper jaw and would like to know if you are a candidate for dental implants, schedule an appointment with Dr. J. Travis Thompson or Dr. Stephen Martin, DMD at our oral surgeons office in Deer Park, IL.
To book an appointment, call (847) 381-0106 or complete the online booking form. You may also book an appointment in person at 21660 W. Field Parkway, Suite 220, Deer Park, IL.
