When it comes to dental implants, there are a lot of terms and procedures that might be new to you. Sinus lifts might be one of them, which is sometimes necessary when implants need to be placed in the back of the mouth on the top. If you're wondering what sinus lifts are and why they might be necessary for you, read on for more information.
What is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift (also called a sinus augmentation) is a surgical procedure that's used to correct deficiencies in the bones of your upper jaw in the area of your back teeth. When upper back teeth are missing for some time, the sinus membrane will start to come down with gravity. This limits the amount of volume available to place an implant. A sinus lift is the process of lifting the sinus membrane up, packing bone in the area so there is adequate volume for an implant to be placed.
Why might I need a Sinus Lift?
There are several reasons why you might need a sinus lift. The most common reason is that there's simply not enough bone volume in the upper jaw for dental implants. When this happens, a sinus lift can give you the extra bone you need so that you can get dental implants and improve your smile.
Another reason why you might need a sinus lift is due to bone loss. Bone loss can happen for many reasons, including periodontal disease, previous extractions, or wearing dentures for an extended period of time. If bone loss has occurred in your upper jaw, a sinus lift can help create more volume of bone for successful dental implant placement.
What are the types of Sinus Lifts?
Internal Sinus Lifts
An internal sinus lift is when the membrane is lifted inside the hole where the implant will be placed. This hole is called an osteotomy – a series of drills is used to enlarge a hole so an implant can fit into the jawbone. Inside the osteotomy, the sinus membrane can be pushed up to create more volume and bone can be packed up for the implant placement. An implant is usually placed at the same time as an internal sinus lift.
External Sinus Lifts
An external sinus lift is also called a lateral sinus lift. This involves approaching the sinus from the side, drilling a window into the jawbone and lifting the sinus membrane up so that bone grafting material can be packed between the sinus and the jawbone. An implant is usually not placed at this time, but rather delayed until the bone matures in the area.
What should I expect during and after a sinus lift?
The sinus lift procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, and most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. A typical sinus lift procedure: first, your surgeon will make an incision in your gum tissue and then gently push it aside so that they have access to your upper jawbone; next, they will create a small opening in your bones so that they can access your maxillary sinuses; once they have access to your maxillary sinuses, they will begin lifting them up; finally, they will add bone graft material into this newly created space before closing up the incisions with sutures; over time, this new bone graft material will fuse with your existing jawbone, creating a strong foundation for dental implants.
After your procedure is complete, you can expect some swelling and bruising around your eyes and cheeks—this is normal and should resolve within two weeks. You may also experience some numbness around your incisions—this is also normal and should resolve within a few months. It's important to take it easy after your procedure and avoid any strenuous activity or exercise until your surgeon gives you the green light. You should also avoid blowing your nose too hard or sneezing too forcefully as this could dislodge any blood clots that have formed around your incisions—if these blood clots become dislodged, it could lead to excessive bleeding or infection.
Conclusion
A sinus lift might sound like a complicated or even scary procedure, but it's actually fairly common and nothing to worry about. If your dentist has recommended that you get a sinus lift, it's because they think it will improve your smile and oral health overall. Trust your dentist's recommendation and go into your procedure with confidence!
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
Are you looking for a second opinion? Dr. Thomas is the CEO of Opinion Two Nonprofit Organization. Opinion Two is available online or on mobile app and it allows patients to receive dental second opinions with top US-licensed dentists. All proceeds are used to benefit future generations of dentists through scholarships and benefits to pre-dental programs.