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What is Sinus Lift Surgery?

sinus lift surgery
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Jim Tehrani, DDS

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sinus lift for dental implants

If you’re planning to get dental implants in your upper jaw, your dentist may recommend a sinus lift procedure.

This bone augmentation surgery is often necessary when there isn’t enough bone height in the upper jaw, especially near the molars and premolars, to securely place a dental implant.

In this article, we’ll explore who needs a sinus lift, who may not be a good candidate, and why this procedure plays a crucial role in implant dentistry

Table of Contents

What is Sinus Lift Surgery?

Sinus lift surgery is a dental procedure used when the upper jawbone does not have sufficient height or density to support dental implants.
Filling the sinus cavity with bone material adds stability to the implant and reduces complications during and after the procedure.

In this procedure, bone graft material is added between the molars and premolars in the upper jaw. To create enough space, the sinus membrane must move upward.

That’s why this surgery is called a sinus lift. The sinuses are air-filled cavities located above and behind the upper jaw.

Types of sinus lift surgery

  1. Open sinus lift
    Most dentists use this method for sinus lift surgery. In an open sinus lift, an incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone.
    A small window is created in the bone, and bone grafting material enters the sinus membrane cavity through this. After this procedure, a healing period of 4 to 6 months is required before the dental implant can be placed.
  2. Closed sinus lift
    A closed sinus lift is a less invasive procedure that causes significantly less trauma to the gum tissue. The dentist creates a hole for the implant to be installed, and through the same hole with special surgical tools, they insert bone graft material into the space.

Difference between open and closed sinus lift

Their difference lies in the way surgery is performed.

In an open sinus lift, there is an incision on the gums, and there is a lot of damage and complications. However, in the closed sinus lift, a hole is made just large enough for the implant to be placed and is inserted into the cavity with special tools for bone material.

Who needs sinus lift surgery?

If the upper jawbone does not have enough height to support the implant, this surgery is necessary. Jaw bone loss is more common in people with the following conditions:

  • Periodontal disease
  • Tooth loss in the upper jaw
  • Bone reabsorption after tooth extraction
  • Congenital defects
  • Trauma or cancer-related bone loss

According to the Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation (FOR), if the dentist finds that the Jawbone in the back is less than 4 to 6 millimeters high, sinus lift surgery is necessary before Dental Implants.

Annals of maxillofacial surgery(2013)
Image courtesy of Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0. Source

Benefits of sinus lift surgery

Improved Implant Stability: Dental sinus surgery is essential for people who do not have enough bone in their jaw and want a dental implant.

Prevention of Implant Complications:  The likelihood of the implant loosening and retracting is significantly reduced.

Sinus lift surgery procedure

The sinus lift procedure is as follows:

  • The surgeon administers local anesthesia.
  • An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone (open method), or a small hole is drilled (closed method).
  • The sinus membrane is lifted carefully.
  • Bone graft material is placed in the cavity.
  • The incision or hole is closed with sutures.

Dental implants can usually be placed about 4 to 6 months after this surgery. During this time, the new bone merges with the Jawbone. The more bone that is grafted, the longer the healing time before implant placement.

Aftercare After Sinus Lift Surgery

Care/ActionDescription
Avoid blowing nose and sneezingPrevents movement of bone graft material and reopening of stitches
Use saline nasal sprayKeeps nasal passages moist and reduces the need to blow the nose
Take decongestants and anti-inflammatoriesHelps reduce inflammation and nasal congestion
Take prescribed painkillers and antibioticsControls pain and prevents infection
Use antimicrobial mouthwashMinimizes the risk of infection in the surgical area
Avoid brushing teeth temporarilyPrevents bleeding and irritation near the surgical site
Sinus membrane rupture (if it occurs)May require special care or membrane repair during/after surgery
 

FAQ’s:

The recovery period of the sinus lift can vary from person to person but typically lasts about 2 to 3 weeks.

This procedure extends the life of the dental implant and has a success rate of between 85 and 95 percent when performed by an experienced specialist.

Before sinus lift surgery, a few tests may be required to assess the procedure’s suitability. These tests include:

  • X-rays from the tooth: to assess the current condition of the upper Jawbone, sinus, and tooth.
  • Computed tomography scan with conical beam (CBCT): specialized 3D and precise imaging technique of Jawbone and sinus Anatomy
  • Dental molds
  • Medical history and physical examination

The age of sinus lift surgery can vary depending on each patient’s needs. Most patients who undergo dental sinus surgery are between the ages of 22 and 65.

Discomfort is common after the surgery, but it's usually manageable with pain medication.

Conclusion

This surgery is highly recommended for patients with insufficient upper jawbone height to qualify for dental implant therapy.
Overall, the discomfort following sinus lift surgery is considered minor compared to the long-term benefits of successful dental implant placement.
Ready to get dental implants? Schedule a free consultation at Beach Cities Dentistry in Manhattan Beach and find out if a sinus lift is right for you.

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Jim Tehrani, DDS
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Jim Tehrani, DDS​

– USC graduate (1997)

– Invisalign I/II certified

– Laser dentistry certified

– Member of ADA, CDA, Western Dental Society

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