Sinus Lift Surgery

Sinus lift surgery, also known as sinus augmentation, is a dental procedure performed to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw in preparation for dental implants. This procedure is typically recommended when the patient does not have enough bone height in the upper jaw, particularly in the area of the premolar and molar teeth, due to the proximity of the maxillary sinus.

During the sinus lift surgery, the dentist or oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone underneath. They then create a small opening in the bone, which allows them to access the sinus cavity above. They gently push the sinus membrane upward and add bone graft material into the newly created space between the jawbone and the sinus cavity. This graft material may be taken from the patient's own body (autogenous bone) or a synthetic material (alloplastic).

After the graft material is in place, the incision is closed with sutures, and the healing process begins. It typically takes several months for the graft material to integrate with the existing bone, and for the area to fully heal. Once the healing process is complete, the patient may be ready for dental implant placement.

Sinus lift surgery is a safe and effective procedure with a high success rate. However, like any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications, such as infection, bleeding, and sinus perforation. Patients should discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure with their dentist or oral surgeon before deciding whether or not to proceed with the surgery.

The sinus lift surgery procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. Anesthesia: The patient is given local anesthesia to numb the area where the surgery will be performed. In some cases, general anesthesia or conscious sedation may be used.
2. Incision: The dentist or oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone.
3. Access to the sinus cavity: A small opening is made in the bone to allow access to the sinus cavity. The membrane lining the sinus cavity is carefully lifted to create a space for the bone graft material.
4. Bone graft placement: The bone graft material, which may be taken from the patient's own body or a synthetic material, is placed into the space created by lifting the sinus membrane.
5. Closure: The incision is closed with sutures.
6. Healing: The patient is given post-operative instructions to help promote healing, such as avoiding smoking and chewing hard or crunchy foods. The healing process typically takes several months, during which time the graft material integrates with the surrounding bone.

After the healing process is complete, the patient may be ready for dental implant placement. Your dentist or oral surgeon will discuss the specifics of the sinus lift surgery procedure with you and answer any questions you may have before the surgery.