What You Need To Know About Sinus Lift

Having a full set of healthy teeth enhances one’s general health, which is why, in the past 15 years, more people have had dental implant procedures. The quantity and quality of the bone in which the implant will be placed are critical elements in osseointegration success. However, getting strong and healthy dental implants isn’t always easy, and when it is, a sinus lift surgery is a crucial step toward achieving your goal of a full and healthy smile. This regularly utilized approach enables you to experience the full benefits of implant dentistry even if you have substantial bone loss. We’ll break down what a sinus lift is, when you may need one, each aspect of the sinus lift process, recovery, risks, costs, and commonly asked questions to provide you with all the information you need.

Contents: What is Sinus Lift? | When is Sinus Augmentation Needed? | Sinus Graft Procedure | Sinus Augmentation Risks | Sinus Lift Aftercare

What is a Sinus Lift?

Some people need sinus lift for implant, yet they lack the necessary bone support owing to bone loss. A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is one of the treatments that makes it easier to insert implants. It may assist because it increases the amount of bone in your upper jaw by filling the space between your molar and premolar with bone. To make room for the bone, the sinus membrane must be stretched higher or “lifted,” which is how the surgery gets its name. One of the most common bone graftings for a dental implant holder is this. Oral maxillofacial surgeons and periodontists are the most common dental experts that do sinus lifts.

When is Sinus Augmentation Needed?

A sinus lift may be recommended if your dentist is unable to continue with the implant procedure due to missing teeth or inadequate bone height in the upper jaw (maxilla). Birth defects, periodontal diseases, cancer, tooth loss in the upper jaw, resorption of bone into the body following tooth loss, and other medical problems are among the reasons of bone loss. In addition, a sinus lift may be required if your sinuses are too near to your upper jaw and you need more room to place the implant.

What Happens Prior to a Sinus Lift?

A sinus elevation is similar to a bone transplant in that it raises the roof of the mouth. The first step in sinus lift surgery is for your dentist to determine where the additional bone will come from. The three most common types of bone used in sinus lift procedures are as follows:

• Autogenous bone is bone that originates from your own body and is often derived from various regions of your mouth or body.

• Allogenic bone (bone from a cadaver)

• Bone from a cow (xenograft)

Your surgeon or dental specialist will thoroughly inspect the structures of your jaw and sinuses after following the bone source. Exact measurements will be taken to determine the height and width of your current bone as well as your sinus. You’re going to need some x-rays. X-rays enable the surgeon or dentist to evaluate your jaw and sinuses and decide what treatment you need. Once the doctor and you have determined which bone to use, the procedure will begin. Find out who is eligible for sinus augmentation immediate implant.

How Is a Sinus Lift Surgery Done?

A sinus augmentation is often performed at a periodontist’s or dental surgeon’s practice. The lateral method, in which the surgeon produces a lateral window in the bone on the side of the maxillary sinus and lifts the sinus membrane, and the other, at the tooth extraction or alveolar crestal site, are the two basic approaches to maxillary sinus augmentation.

1. Local or general anesthesia is used to anesthetize the patient initially. Nitrous oxide may be used by a doctor if necessary, although it is not common.
2. The gum tissue surrounding your back teeth will next be trimmed to show the jawbone.
3. While the tissue is lifted and the jawbone is exposed, the surgeon will cut a tiny circle in the jawbone to gently press on the sinus membrane. Vertical approach is the term for this method. A treatment known as the summers technique may be done if the sinus floor has to be elevated by less than 4 millimeters. A socket is formed in the bone that is 1–2 millimeters distant from the sinus membrane using a flap of gum tissue.
4. As the bony component is raised into the sinus cavity area, the hole is filled with the specified bone transplant.
5. The surgery is now over, and the incision will be closed with stitches.

Four to twelve months following your sinus lift, your dentist will place your implants. This space permits the new bone to merge correctly with your old bone. The time between your surgery and the placement of your dental implant is dictated by the amount of bone you need. Your dental professional will notify you when they are ready to put your implants.

What are the risks of a Sinus Augmentation?

Sinus lift surgeries, like all other surgeries and techniques, have risks. The most serious risk is tearing or puncturing the nasal membranes. Don’t be alarmed! The surgeon will either suture the sinus tear or cover it with a patch if this happens. If the sinus membrane restoration is more challenging, your surgeon may opt to suspend the treatment and allow you some time to recover before trying again.

Infections are a possibility with any type of oral surgery. In contrast, your surgeon will prescribe an antibiotic to keep you safe from infection.

In rare cases, existing bone may fail to merge with bone graft material, preventing the grafted area from generating a blood supply. If this happens, you may have to have the sinus lift surgery done again.

You may have maxillary sinus cavity or acute maxillary sinusitis after a sinus lift procedure, which is characterized by a brief inflammation of the membranes of your nose and sinuses. When you have this disease, clearing mucus from your nose is challenging. According to studies, being cautious during the procedure helps to keep the sinuses open.

What should you do after a Sinus Lift?

Most adults experience very minimal discomfort following a sinus lift. It’s possible that you’re swollen. You may experience slight bleeding from your nose or mouth in the days following surgery.

The most important element of rehabilitation is to maintain the bone grafts in place, so avoid sneezing or blowing your nose too much. (We realize how terrible sneezing may be, so try to stay away from anything that makes you sneezy.) Sneezing and blowing your nose may cause the bone material to move, loosening the stitches.

Your dental specialist may provide you post-operative advice or recovery instructions such as the following:

• Use saline spray to keep your nose wet

• Pain relievers

• With a prescription, you can avoid congestion and inflammation

• Antibiotics

• Mouthwash has antibacterial characteristics that may aid in the prevention of sinus infections

Many patients will stay in bed for a day or two before they are ready to resume regular activities, with ice administered to the afflicted region. You will have a follow-up consultation with a dental specialist 7-10 days after your procedure. At this appointment, the specialist will examine the surgery site and remove any stitches that have not decomposed on their own. Patients may need to return a few times to verify that the area heals properly and to collect the necessary x-ray images.

After a sinus lift, it takes at least six months for the sinuses to heal and the bone to strengthen sufficiently to support dental implants. Despite the fact that the procedure seems to be sluggish, you are aiming for long-term results.

How Much Is the Price for a Sinus Lift Procedure?

A sinus lift may cost anything from $1,500 for a mild and simple case to $5,000 for more severe ones. As more bone graft materials are needed, the cost of the surgery usually climbs. When it comes to major surgery, you want to deal with a doctor who is both meticulous and skilled. A portion of the overall cost may be covered by dental insurance.

After a Sinus Augmentation, When Should You Seek Professional Help?

Although the recovery following a sinus lift is usually straightforward, you may need extra support in rare cases. If you’ve had a sinus lift, call your surgeon if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• The swelling or soreness gets worse over time.

• The bleeding persists or turns bright red and persistent after 1-2 days.

• The bone-graft material has come away after sneezing or blowing your nose.

• You’ve got a fever.

Interested in sinus lift treatment for complete mouth dental implants or want to know about the sinus lift for permanent dentures steps? Please contact us or come to our dental practice now!

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