People who have missing teeth have different teeth replacement alternatives, one of these being denture implants. Although dental implants are effective, these may not be ideal if you do not have sufficient bone strength. In such cases, a dentist may recommend a sinus lift surgery.
Sinus lift surgery, also known as sinus floor elevation or maxillary sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure in which a bone is grafted to attach a dental implant. In this article, we will explore the process and the steps involved during the surgery.
What is the Sinus Lift Procedure?
Sinus lift surgery is performed when a patient lacks a strong jaw bone to support an implant. During this procedure, the maxillary sinus is lifted to make room for the new bone.
The term “maxillary sinus” describes air-filled cavities situated directly above the rear part of the upper jaw. By lifting this sinus and grafting a bone in between, the dentist can create enough space to place a dental implant.
Without adequate bone, the dental implant may not be adequately secured and can fail. You may not have enough bone in the jaw due to:
- Cancer
- Birth defect
- Periodontal disease
- Natural variation
Which Grafting Materials are Used in Sinus Lift for Implant?
The grafting material for sinus lift surgery can be from human or synthetic sources. The graft material creates a scaffold for the bone to grow into, which may take around 4-12 months.
How to Prepare for the Sinus Lift Surgery?
Getting a dental implant is a multi-step process, and sinus lifts are performed in the initial phases of the procedure.
When you visit a dentist, the process will look like below:
- The dentist will discuss your goals for dental implants and examine your teeth, mouth, and gums.
- You will undergo specific tests, including an X-ray or CT scan, to appraise the health of your jawbone and other skull structures.
- The dentist will perform a sinus lift surgery (if needed).
- After the surgery, the dentist will place a dental implant abutment or holder.
- After placing the abutment, the dentist will fix a dental implant.
The time duration for each step may depend on your preferences as well as your overall oral health.
What Happens During a Sinus Lift Surgery?
During the sinus lift surgery, the sinus cavity is accessed through an incision in the gum tissue. The sinus membrane is gently lifted to make space for creating a small window in the bone. This allows the placement of bone graft material, which promotes new bone growth.
In some cases, an osteotome technique may be followed, during which bone graft material is compacted in the sinus cavity instead of an incision.
Traditional Sinus Lift Surgery
During a traditional surgery:
- The dentist makes a cut in the gum tissue near the back of the mouth.
- The incision creates a window in the bone through which the sinus cavity can be accessed.
- The dentist gently lifts the sinus membrane to place a bone graft material.
- Once placed, the gum tissue is sutured back into place to allow natural healing.
Osteotome Technique
The osteotome technique is a noninvasive procedure. During this procedure, the bone graft material is compacted into the sinus cavity with a special instrument called an osteotome.
The procedure is ideal for patients with adequate bone height and jaw bone thickness. Since it is noninvasive, it results in decreased post-operative discomfort and faster healing time.
Although the procedure is safer than traditional surgery, it may not be ideal for everyone. Hence, it is essential to consult your dentist before considering the option.
How is the Recovery Process After Sinus Lift Surgery?
After the sinus lift surgery, you may feel a little discomfort and swelling in the treated area. The medications prescribed by your dentist, however, will alleviate this discomfort and prevent infection.
You need to follow post-operative instructions provided by your dentist, including a soft diet and oral hygiene routine, to aid in the recovery process. The entire recovery will take a few months as the bone graft material takes time to integrate with the existing jaw bone.
Takeaway
Sinus lift surgery is usually recommended for individuals who need implants in the upper jaw but do not possess adequate bone density. The surgery helps create a secure implant foundation and improves dental implant success.
If you have a missing tooth, wish to learn about the sinus lift procedure, or want to get a routine check-up, contact us at Periodontal Specialists.
Schedule an appointment with us today!
