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Sinus Lift

ADDING BONE TO YOUR UPPER JAW

Sinus Lift

A sinus lift, also known as a sinus augmentation, is a minor surgical procedure that adds bone to your sinus cavity to elevate the sinus floor.

It is usually done in conjunction with a bone graft procedure. These two procedures are done to increase the volume of bone in the jawbone, in preparation for a dental implant procedure which replaces missing teeth.

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What is a Sinus Lift?

What is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift is usually done before dental implants are placed.

It involves removing a small circle of bone, from either your own body or an external party, and lifting this into the sinus cavity. This is in the upper jaw, in the space between your jaw and sinus.

To make room for the bone, the sinus floor needs to be elevated, meaning the sinus membrane has to be moved upward, or “lifted”. Once space is created, bone grafting material can then be inserted.

What Are the Sinuses?

What Are the Sinuses?

The sinuses refer to the air pocket within your face that is linked to your respiratory system. There are many sinuses spread out over your face.

The most common sinuses in which dentistry is concerned are your maxillary sinuses which are located above your upper jaw.

Do I Need a Sinus Lift?

Do I Need a Sinus Lift?

Your maxillary sinuses may interact with dental implants that are placed to replace your upper back teeth. Reasons that this might happen are:

Bone loss from periodontal disease;
Loss of teeth in your upper jaw – particularly your back teeth or molars;
Reabsorption of bone into the body due to tooth loss and replace missing teeth;
Your anatomy where the maxillary sinus is too close to the upper jaw.

To avoid these issues, a sinus lift can be performed to elevate the base of your sinus to have a proportionate height and width to your jaw.

Space and size are thereby created for the placement of novel bone through means of a bone graft, making it a safe environment in which your dental implants can be supported. This increases the chances of success of your implants.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Stage1: Consultation

Assessing Suitability

A typical procedure will begin with an X-ray or CT scan to access your jawbone structure and evaluate if you are suitable for the surgery.

Stage 3: Post-Operative Care

After the procedure, your dentist will give you instructions on how to look after your mouth. You are advised not to blow your nose frequently as it may move the bone after surgery.

Stage 2: Sinus Lift Procedure

Anaesthesia

The procedure will last around 60 to 90 minutes. The relevant areas will be completely numbed with a local anaesthetic so that you will not feel any pain at all during the whole procedure, solely some pressure and vibrations.

You may additionally be placed under prior IV sedation, or General Anaesthesia depending on your concerns and agreed individualised treatment plan.

Selecting the Material of Your Grafted Bone

Your grafted bone can be obtained from one of the following sources:

Your own body (either from another part of your mouth or another bone usually from the leg or hip area)
Another human (donated bone tissue upon death);
Cow bone;
Synthetic material such as hydroxyapatite.

Inserting the Bone into Your Jawbone

Your surgeon will then cut the gum tissue where your back teeth are. The tissue is raised, which will expose the jaw bone underneath.

Your surgeon will cut a small circle in the bone. The bony piece is lifted into the sinus cavity space and the hole is filled with bone graft. Your surgeon will close the incision with stitches, and allow for healing.

What Are the Risks Involved?

What Are the Risks Involved?

You might experience tearing of the sinus membrane, nasal penetration, bleeding, fracture or injury of surrounding teeth. There is a higher risk in smokers as cigarette smoke causes the maxillary sinus membrane to become thinner.
This can be fixed by either stitching up the sinus tear or place a patch over it. If the repair to the sinus membrane is not successful, you might need some time to heal before resuming the surgery.