The Sinus Lift Procedure
A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation or sinus elevation, is a surgical procedure performed to increase the bone volume in the upper jaw, specifically in the area of the molars and premolars. This procedure is often necessary when the bone in the upper jaw is insufficient to support dental implants .
At Dulwich Dental Office, we understand how a sinus lift procedure can be crucial in achieving a fully functional and aesthetically pleasing smile, especially when considering dental implants. Our experienced dental team provides you with the highest quality of care throughout your sinus lift journey.
If you are ready to explore this advanced dental solution or have any questions, contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Concept of Sinus Lift Procedure
The molar and premolar teeth are strongly related to the maxillary sinus floor. The maxillary sinus is a pair of three air-filled spaces in the skull. Air sinuses are essential to lighten the skull’s weight and humidify the air entering the body through the nose.
A sinus lift can be beneficial when insufficient bone supports a dental implant in the upper premolar-molar region.
The sinus lift procedure involves elevating the epithelial membrane lining the maxillary sinus to create adequate space for bone grafting , which stimulates bone formation in the deficient area, ensuring the success of future dental implants.
When Is a Sinus Lift Needed?
Following tooth extraction, the jawbone resorbs as it is no longer stimulated, where around 29-63% of the bone is lost after 6 months following extraction.
Other reasons for bone loss may include periodontal disease or natural bone resorption.
When planning for dental implants in the upper posterior region, it is essential to have a stable and adequate bone foundation. A sinus lift creates the necessary space and support for successful implant placement.
Benefits of a Sinus Lift
- Facilitates Implant Placement: A sinus lift allows dental implants to be secured in the upper jaw, even when the natural bone volume is limited.
- Enhances Implant Success: By creating a stable foundation, a sinus lift significantly increases the likelihood of successful implant integration and long-term stability.
- Restores Dental Function: The procedure helps restore chewing function and prevents further tooth loss.
- Improves Aesthetics: A sinus lift can enhance facial aesthetics by preserving the natural contours of the jaw and preventing a sunken appearance.
- Minimises Complications: With careful planning and execution, a sinus lift procedure is safe and minimises the risk of complications.
Contraindications for the Sinus Lift Procedure
Sinus lift procedure may be unfavourable in some cases because of the lower prognosis. Some conditions represent absolute contraindications where sinus lift can never be used, or relative contraindications where sinus lift can be used after resolving them. The contraindications for the sinus lift procedure include:
- Radiation therapy to the maxilla: Radiotherapy impairs the healing process and may increase the risk for infection, which decreases the success outcome for sinus lift surgery.
- Cyst or tumor in the maxillary bone: The presence of a large cyst or tumor may weaken the existing bone and lead to complications.
- Active infection and recurrent sinusitis: An active infection or a chronic and recurrent sinusitis indicates a high number of bacteria that may lead to infection after sinus lift surgery.
- Uncontrolled medical conditions: Uncontrolled medical conditions may lead to surgical complications, such as uncontrolled hypertension, which may lead to excessive bleeding, and unchecked diabetes may impair healing and increase the risk of infection.
- Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption: Several studies showed that smoking and high alcohol consumption increase the risk of complications after surgery, including delayed healing and increased risk for infection.
The Sinus Lift Procedure at Dulwich Dental Office
Dulwich Dental Office is a leading dental centre in London with the highest track record for safe and efficient sinus lift procedures. We have a team of experienced dental surgeons equipped with the most recent tools and technologies to get the best possible outcome even in the most complicated cases. Our expert surgeons have performed over 5,000 implant cases with and without a sinus lift procedure.
Preparation of the sinus lift procedure:
Before the sinus lift procedure, you may be advised to:
- Cease Smoking: If you smoke, it is essential to quit or significantly reduce smoking, as smoking can impair the healing process.
- Control any medical condition: take your normal medications as usual to control any existing medical conditions and avoid post-operative complications. Some medical conditions may require a consultation with your health care provider, such as if you are on anticoagulant therapy.
- Medications: Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or pain control medications to prevent infection or manage postoperative discomfort.
Sinus Lift Surgery
The sinus lift procedure itself involves several key steps:
- Anesthesia: You will receive local anesthesia to numb the surgical area, ensuring your comfort during the procedure. For anxious patients, we offer sedation services to ensure complete comfort.
- Incision: A small incision is made in the gum tissue near the premolars or molars, providing access to the underlying bone.
- Lifting the Sinus Membrane: Using special instruments, the sinus membrane is gently lifted, creating a space between the sinus cavity and the jawbone.
- Bone Grafting: A bone graft material, often sourced from your body or a synthetic material, is placed in the space created above the jawbone. This graft material encourages the growth of new bone.
- Closure: The incision is sutured closed, and the surgical site is carefully protected.
Healing and Osseointegration Following Sinus Lift Procedure
After the sinus lift, a healing period is necessary for the graft material to integrate with your natural bone. During this time, it is essential to:
- Avoid Forceful Activities: Strenuous activities should be avoided to prevent any disruption to the healing process.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress.
- Follow Postoperative Instructions: Your dental team will provide you with specific postoperative care instructions, including guidelines on pain management and oral hygiene.
Post-operative Instructions for the Sinus Lift Procedure
- Avoid sneezing and blowing your nose, and refrain from activities that may increase the pressure inside the maxillary sinus, such as diving.
- Use ice packs on the area of surgery (20 minutes on and 20 minutes off) during the first 24 hours to minimise bruising and swelling.
- Elevate your head during sleep.
- Do not use a straw, follow a soft diet in the first few days, and avoid chewing hard food near the surgical area.
- Brush your teeth as usual but avoid the area of surgery.
- Take the prescribed medications, including antibiotics and painkillers, to ensure comfortable healing and avoid infection.
- In some cases, a decongestant nasal spray may be advised to relieve sinus congestion.
Dental Implant Placement Following Sinus Lift Procedure
It is required to wait 6-12 months following sinus lift surgery to allow for new bone formation and integration before proceeding with dental implant insertion.
Once sufficient bone volume is achieved, you can proceed with dental implant placement. During the follow-up appointments, our surgeon will carefully assess the condition of the graft site and ensure that it is ready for implant surgery. Once at least 3mm all around the suggested implant place is achieved, the dental implant can be inserted.
In some cases, dental implants can be inserted at the same time as a sinus lift procedure; this depends on the amount of deficient bone and how much new bone is required. Before making the decision, our expert surgeons perform a careful examination and diagnosis to ensure dental implant success.
Risks and Complications of The Sinus Lift Procedure
Sinus lift procedure is a safe surgery when performed by our expert dental surgeons. However, there are several minor complications that may occur following any surgery, such as pain or discomfort, swelling, and bruising. These complications can be easily controlled by following the post-operative instructions explained by our dental experts. Some rare risks may be associated with the sinus lift procedure, such as:
- Tearing of the sinus membrane: This creates open communication between the maxillary sinus and the oral cavity. If this happens, the dental surgeon can stitch the membrane during the procedure and continue as planned.
- Graft dislodgment: In rare cases, the graft may be dislodged during healing, causing failure of new bone formation. This may happen if you sneeze, blow your nose, or use a straw during healing.
- Graft failure: There is an increased risk of graft failure and absence of new bone formation in smokers. This is why it is advised to cease smoking following the surgery.
Contact Our Experts Immediately if You Experience
- Pain or swelling gets worse or persists for more than two days.
- Bleeding that does not stop.
- Fever.
- Foul odour.
- Pus oozing from the surgical site.
- Consistent watery discharge from the nose.
Sinus Lift Alternatives
- Shorter dental implants: In some patients where there is a minimal deficiency of supporting bone length, shorter dental implants may be used. Shorter implants require sufficient bone width to increase their success rate.
- Dental bridges: Dental bridges rely in their retention on the neighboring teeth without being affected by the amount of bone existing at the edentulous area. The teeth adjacent to the space are prepared to receive dental crowns. The crowns are soldered to the artificial tooth, replacing the missing one. Dental bridges are considered less conservative than dental implants as they require the removal of healthy teeth.
- Dentures: Dentures are removable appliances used to replace missing teeth. They do not require removal of tooth structure from the neighboring teeth as they depend on their retention on their adhesion with the underlying soft tissue and bone in the presence of a thin film of saliva. They induce bone resorption and have many retention issues that may affect their function and self-confidence.
- Zygomatic implants : These are a specialised type of dental implants anchored inside the cheekbone or zygomatic bone to overcome the problem of insufficient bone support.
FAQs
Sinus lift is a procedure aiming to provide a space for new bone formation in areas with severe bone loss to ensure dental implant success.
The sinus lift procedure involves an incision and slight bone removal to expose the floor of the maxillary sinus, then the floor of the sinus is elevated and bone graft is inserted; finally, the wound is closed.
Sinus lift procedure is indicated in cases with severe bone loss in the upper premolar and molar area, which minimises the success rate for dental implant treatment. The sinus lift procedure aims to create a space for new bone formation to support a dental implant.
Sinus lift surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring you experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. If you are an anxious patient, we also offer sedation solutions to maximise your comfort during the procedure. Postoperatively, you may experience mild discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications.
Recovery time can vary depending on the individual, but most patients can expect a few days of downtime. It is essential to follow postoperative care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Sinus lift procedures are safe when performed by experienced dental professionals. Risks are minimal but may include infection, bleeding, or graft failure. Your dental team will take all necessary precautions to minimise these risks.
In most cases, dental implant placement is performed several months after a sinus lift, allowing the graft material to integrate with your natural bone. However, immediate implant placement may be considered in certain situations, depending on the case.
The need for a sinus lift on both sides of the upper jaw depends on your case and the condition of your bone. We will recommend the appropriate treatment plan based on your unique needs.
No. A sinus lift does not affect how you look. The procedure is performed on the maxillary sinus floor, which is hidden inside the jawbone and does not affect the facial appearance.
No. A sinus lift procedure does not affect your breathing at all. However, you may experience minor nasal congestion following a sinus lift procedure, this only lasts for a few days.
Conclusion
We are committed to offering the latest advancements in dental implant technology, including Immediate Load Dental Implants. This innovative procedure can transform your smile and your life, providing you with a fast, efficient, and long-lasting solution to missing teeth. If you’re ready to take the next step towards a beautiful smile, contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Our Immediate Load Implat Expert Dr Javier Perez
Dr Javier Perez
Dental Implant and Oral Surgeon
Lic Odont, PG Cert (Implant), MClinDent (Implant), Dip Oral Surg RCS (Eng), PG Cert Cons Sed
GDC No: 225487
Special interest in Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
Dr Javier Perez graduated in dental surgery in 2010.
His clinical practice is focused on dental implants and oral surgery, from simple single tooth replacements to complex reconstructions involving both soft and hard tissues.
Dr Javier has completed a Masters in Implant Dentistry MClinDent (Implant) in London over three years and was awarded a diploma in Oral Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, one of the most prestigious colleges in UK.
Dr Perez has trained in Oral Surgery at the Maxillofacial Unit in the Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in South England. He is at the forefront of dental implants and oral surgery regularly attending National and International conferences to develop his skills and learn about the latest trends in Implantology.
At Dulwich Dental our implant team have placed over 5000 implants, often undertaking and being referred cases from other practioners. We also consult and treat cases where you may have been told that you are unsuitable for dental implants. Having assembled one of the countries leading dental implant teams we can treat the most advanced and complex cases here at Dulwich Dental Office.
Outside of work Dr Javier spends the majority of his time with his young family, recently welcoming a new son (October, 2021). He enjoys spending weekends exploring London, especially going to local food markets.
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