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?
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.
