A sinus lift, also called a sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that adds bone below the sinus at the back of the upper jaw. Sinus lift surgery is applied for patients who have lost their posterior teeth and do not have enough bone for implant placement.
When there is a missing tooth in the mouth, the volume of the bones around the tooth and under the tooth may be lost. Decreased bone volume can cause difficulty in replacing missing teeth. Because enough bone mass is needed to replace the missing tooth with a dental implant.
Resorption of bone into the body after tooth loss, gum diseases and birth defects may be the cause of bone loss in the upper jaw. The purpose of sinus lift surgery is to elevate the floor of the sinus and fill the cavity with bone material.
The sinus lift procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Thus, only a vibration and pressure is felt during the operation. In some cases, a combination of local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia can be used.
The oral surgeon makes an incision along the gum line. Gum tissue is lifted and the jawbone underneath becomes visible. A small circular window opens in the bone and the sinus is lifted through this space. After the sinus is lifted, a granular graft is placed in the cavity. After the graft material is placed, the area is closed with a few stitches.
Sinus lift operation takes approximately 60 minutes. This period may be longer in cases that require more than one procedure. Unless sedation or general anesthesia is used, there is no need to arrange for a companion.
After the sinus lift operation is completed, it takes a few months for the bone to heal. After the healing and development of the jawbone, dental implants can be placed. In some cases, the dental implant may be placed immediately after sinus lift surgery.
Mild side effects such as swelling, bruising, numbness, discomfort and pain may occur after sinus augmentation surgery. These symptoms usually go away within a few days. Painkillers can be used during this time.
The cost of sinus lift surgery varies depending on factors such as the size and location of the defect, the type of procedure needed, the type of bone grafting material, and whether anesthesia is needed.
A sufficient amount of good quality jawbone is needed for a successful dental implant. Sinus lift surgery is a good solution to increase jaw bone mass. Sinus lift operation should be performed by a dentist or oral surgeon who is specialized in this field.
