A sinus lift is a common surgical procedure to support the installation of dental implants. The purpose is to increase the amount of bone in the posterior maxilla (upper jaw), so that the bone structure is strong enough to support dental implants.
Anatomy of the maxillary sinus
The maxillary sinus is a cavity located in the maxillary bone above the upper jaw. When a person loses one or more teeth, it often results in bone resorption, which means there is less bone available in the area where implants will be installed. Bone loss in the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus can also be made worse by the natural expansion of the sinus with age. The delicate sinus membrane separates the sinus cavity from the mouth.
When is sinus lift surgery necessary?
A sinus lift is needed if there is not enough bone to support the installation of implants. By grafting additional bone into the space beneath the sinus membrane, it’s possible to create enough bone volume to support stable, long-lasting implants. Dentists recommend this procedure as a prerequisite to a successful dental implant treatment.
Sinus elevation procedure
Sinus lift surgery involves several stages. First, the dentist or maxillo-facial surgeon makes an incision in the gum to access the jawbone. Once the bone is exposed, a small opening is created to access the sinus membrane. This membrane is gently lifted to create a space for the bone graft.
The graft may be made of autologous bone (from the patient), allogeneic bone (from a donor), or a synthetic material. Once the graft is in place, the incision is closed and the healing period begins. The bone graft usually takes several months to fully integrate, at which point the dental implants can be installed.
Benefits and risks of sinus lift surgery
Sinus lift surgery offers many advantages, including increased bone volume, which contributes to making dental implant installation a success. Dental implants improve masticatory function (chewing), dental aesthetics (appearance) and patients’ quality of life. However, like all surgical procedures, there are some risks. Possible complications include bleeding, infection, perforation of the sinus membrane, and a prolonged healing period. Patients are advised to discuss these risks with their dentist or surgeon before proceeding with surgery.
Postoperative process and care
After a sinus lift, it’s necessary to follow strict post-operative instructions so that the area heals correctly. This includes avoiding vigorous nose blowing and strenuous physical activity, and maintaining strict oral hygiene. Antibiotics and analgesics may be prescribed to prevent infection and manage pain. Regular visits to your dentist or surgeon are key to monitoring healing and planning the installation of your implant.
Common concerns
Patients often have questions about how long the procedure will take, how painful it will be, and the likelihood that the surgery will be a success. A sinus lift surgery generally lasts between 1 and 2 hours. Pain is often moderate and can be well managed with prescribed medication. The success rate of this procedure is high, with dental implant survival rates in excess of 90% when a sinus lift is performed correctly.
A sinus lift is an important procedure in modern dentistry for patients requiring dental implants in the posterior region of the maxilla. By increasing the available bone volume, sinus augmentation surgery makes it possible to successfully install implants and provide a lasting solution to various dental problems. Patients should consult their dentist to learn whether a sinus lift is right for them, and follow all post-operative advice so that the surgical site heals correctly.