What Does a Sinus Lift Do, and When Would You Need One?

Dental implants are an excellent option for those missing one or more teeth. However, a solid foundation in the jawbone is essential for successful implantation. If your jawbone is too thin or weak, your dentist may suggest a sinus lift to enhance the bone structure before proceeding with the implant procedure.

By lifting the sinus floor and adding bone graft material, this procedure makes it possible to restore the bone structure necessary for implant placement.

In this blog, we’ll explore what a sinus lift does, who needs it, and how it can help improve both dental health and overall quality of life for patients seeking to restore their smiles.

A sinus lift is performed when someone requires dental implants but lacks sufficient jawbone to properly support them due to bone loss. The surgery works by boosting the bone volume in the area between the molars and premolars. During the procedure, the sinus membrane is gently lifted in order to create space for the added bone.

Untreated Tooth Decay

Untreated tooth decay can spread to the underlying bone, causing it to weaken and become unsuitable for an implant. In these situations, a sinus lift can help reinforce the bone before an implant is placed.

Periodontal Disease

People with periodontal disease may require a sinus lift before receiving dental implants. According to the CDC, nearly 47.2% of adults aged 30 and older in the U.S. suffer from periodontal disease, which can significantly affect the jawbone, leading to considerable bone loss.

Before the Procedure

A sinus lift involves adding bone to your upper jaw. The first step in the procedure is determining the source of the bone to be used. Common types of bone for sinus augmentation include:

• Autogenous bone, typically harvested from an area of your own mouth
• Allogeneic bone, obtained from a deceased donor
• Xenograft, derived from an animal, typically a cow
• Synthetic, man-made bone-like material

After selecting the bone source, the oral surgeon will examine your jaw and sinus anatomy to evaluate your condition. Precise measurements are taken to assess the width and height of your existing bone. X-rays or CT scans will help the surgical team evaluate your overall jaw health and other important structures in the skull.

During the Procedure

There are various techniques for performing a sinus lift surgery, and the appropriate approach for you depends on factors such as the type of bone graft used and the amount of bone present in your jaw. The general steps involved include:

• Administering intravenous or oral sedatives to numb the area and ensure your comfort during the procedure.
• Making incisions in the back of your gum tissue to expose the bone.
• Removing a small section of the bone while carefully avoiding damage to the sinus membranes.
• Lifting the bone portion into the sinus cavity to elevate the membrane.
• Placing bone graft material into the lifted area and then suturing the gum incisions closed.

After the Procedure

After the procedure, the dental specialist will provide specific recovery instructions. While you may experience some side effects, such as swelling and bleeding, these are typically short-lived. To ensure a smooth and speedy recovery, your doctor may advise the following:

• Refrain from smoking, as it can slow down the healing process.
• Avoid brushing your teeth for a certain period to prevent dislodging blood clots.
• Steer clear of forceful nose blowing and sneezing.
• Do not use a straw, as it may dislodge clots.
• Take prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.
• Use pain relievers to manage discomfort.

A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled one week after the procedure. During this visit, the oral surgeon or periodontist will examine the surgical area and remove any non-dissolved stitches.

Like any surgical procedure, sinus lift surgery carries some risks. The primary risk is accidentally puncturing or tearing the sinus membrane. However, if this occurs, the surgeon can typically repair it by stitching or patching the tear. If the repair is more complex, the surgeon may pause the procedure and allow time for healing before attempting it again.

Infection is another potential risk, though infections following a sinus lift are rare.

In some cases, the bone may not properly integrate with the graft material, preventing the grafted area from developing a blood supply. If this happens, you may need to undergo the sinus lift procedure again.

There is also a small chance of developing acute maxillary sinusitis, which causes temporary inflammation of the sinuses and nose membranes. This condition can make it difficult to drain mucus. Research suggests that careful technique during the procedure helps minimize the risk of sinus blockage.

A sinus lift can create the ideal conditions for successful dental implant placement, restoring your smile and enhancing your oral health. Your dentist will be happy to explain the procedure in detail and help determine if it's the right option for you.

If you have questions about your sinus lift procedure, you can get in touch with the dentists at Zirc Teeth. We can happily guide you through every step of the way and help you get the smile you have always dreamed of.