What is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, aka sinus augmentation, is a surgery that makes it easier to place dental implants. Some people with bone loss need dental implants but don’t have enough bone to support the tooth implant. A sinus lift increases the amount of bone in the upper jaw by adding synthetic bone to the space between your molars and premolars. To make room for the bone, the sinus membrane is lifted upward. The procedure is done by a maxillofacial surgeon or periodontist.
When do you Need a Sinus Lift?
Because of periodontal gum disease, you have lost teeth in your upper jaw. You need implants but don’t have sufficient bone for their attachment; your body has reabsorbed part of the jawbone needed to place the implants. It has left your sinus cavity too close to the jaw and your dentist recommends a sinus lift.
Bone Grafting
The first step in a sinus lift is to graft the bone necessary to place the implant.
Sources of Implant Bone
- Autogenous bone: bone from your own body
- Allogenic bone from a cadaver
- Xenograft bone from a cow
Sinus Lift Surgery Procedure
The surgeon cuts the gum tissue. The tissue is raised, exposing the bone beneath. The surgeon then cuts a small circle in the bone, lifts the bony piece into the sinus cavity, and fills the hole with a bone graft. The incision is closed. In 4 -12 months, your mouth is ready for the implant(s).
What to Expect Post-Lift Surgery
Most people experience little discomfort after a sinus lift. You might have some swelling. You might also experience some light bleeding from your nose or mouth in the days immediately following the surgery. Nose blowing and sneezing should be avoided when possible; the action may cause the bone graft to shift or the stitches to loosen. If you have allergies, be sure to take allergy medicine to lessen the chances of sneezing. The dentist may prescribe antibiotics, saline moisturizing solution, pain medicine, and antimicrobial mouthwash. Several after-care visits monitor the healing process.
Risks of Sinus Lifts
Surgery always comes with risks. While a sinus lift is traditionally safe, some patients may experience complications.
- puncturing or tearing a sinus member
- infection
- rejection of new bone
- acute maxillary sinusitis – a temporary inflammation of sinus tissue
- swelling
- continuous bleeding
- dislodged bone graft
- fever
For Think Oral Implants and Periodontics sinus lift surgery is a specialty. If you live in Paoli, PA, and surrounding areas and are considering dental implants call us now for a consultation. Think Oral Implants and Periodontics, offices located at 250 W. Lancaster Ave., Suite 215, Paoli, PA 19301 (610) 550-3333.
