If you're considering dental implants in the upper jaw, you may have heard of a procedure called sinus lift surgery. But what exactly is it, and why might you need it?
What is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, also known as a sinus augmentation, is a surgical
procedure designed to make room for dental implants in the upper jaw. It’s
typically required when there’s not enough bone in the area where the implant
is needed. This can happen for various reasons, like bone loss after tooth
extraction or the natural expansion of the maxillary sinuses as we age.
The maxillary sinuses are air-filled spaces located behind the
cheekbones, and above the upper teeth. When teeth are missing from the upper
jaw, the bone in this area can shrink over time, making it difficult or
impossible to place dental implants. In some cases, the sinuses themselves may
even grow larger, further limiting the amount of bone available for implants.
Why Is a Sinus Lift Necessary?
A sinus lift is necessary when there isn’t enough bone height in
the upper jaw to support a dental implant. Without the proper bone structure,
implants may not integrate correctly, or they could fail. The procedure adds
bone graft material into the sinus area, which encourages new bone growth and
creates enough space for the implants.
The Procedure
The sinus lift procedure is typically done under local anesthesia
and sometimes with sedation for comfort. The oral surgeon makes a small
incision in the gum to access the sinus area. Then, the sinus membrane is
gently lifted, and bone graft material is placed into the space. Over time,
this graft material fuses with the existing bone, creating a strong foundation
for dental implants.
Types of Sinus Lifting
There are two main types of sinus lift procedures: Direct (also
called "open" sinus lift), which is performed through an incision in
the gum above the molars, and Indirect (or "closed" sinus lift),
which is done through the existing tooth extraction site using a special instrument.
The type of procedure depends on the amount of bone available and the condition
of the sinus cavity.
When Is It Necessary?
Sinus lift surgery is most often needed when:
There’s insufficient bone: If the upper jaw has experienced bone
loss due to tooth loss or gum disease, the bone may not be thick enough to
support an implant.
Enlarged sinuses: The sinuses naturally grow larger with age or
when teeth are missing for a long time. This reduces the amount of bone
available for implants.
Implants are being considered for the upper jaw: The
upper jaw has less bone density than the lower jaw, which can make it harder to
place implants.
Recovery and Aftercare
While sinus lift surgery might sound intimidating, it’s a
routine procedure with a high success rate. After the surgery, patients usually
experience some swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with pain
medications and rest. Following your oral surgeon’s aftercare instructions is
important to ensure proper healing.
The healing process typically takes several months as the
bone graft integrates with the natural bone, but once it’s complete, you’ll be
able to move forward with placing dental implants.
The entire procedure is delicate and must be performed
with utmost care and precision to avoid any mishaps. Teeth Care Centre; the
best dental clinic in Ahmedabad has a team of highly qualified oral and
maxillofacial surgeon and implantologist who are experienced
and have performed many sinus lift surgeries in the past. Our cutting-edge
technology, latest
instruments, and highly researched and renowned brand of bone graft material
ensure that the entire surgery is completed safely and seamlessly.
