What is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that adds bone to your upper jaw in the area of your molars and premolars. This is done to increase the height of the bone and make it possible to place dental implants. The bone is added between your jaw and the maxillary sinuses, which are on either side of your nose. To make room for the bone, the sinus membrane is moved upward, or "lifted."
Why is a Sinus Lift Needed?
Insufficient Bone Height
Bone Loss: Bone can be lost due to periodontal disease, tooth loss, or the natural resorption process following tooth extraction.
Thin Upper Jaw Bone: The upper jawbone can naturally be too thin for the secure placement of dental implants.
Sinus Position
Low Sinus Position: The position of the sinuses may be too close to the upper jawbone, not leaving enough room for dental implants.
Benefits of a Sinus Lift
Enables Dental Implants
Foundation for Implants: Provides a solid foundation for the secure placement of dental implants, which might not be possible without sufficient bone height.
Increased Success Rate: Enhances the success rate and longevity of dental implants.
Restored Oral Function
Improved Chewing: Allows for the placement of implants, improving the ability to chew and eat properly.
Enhanced Speech: Restores dental function, which can improve speech clarity.
Aesthetic Improvements
Natural Look: Supports the placement of implants that look and feel like natural teeth, enhancing the overall appearance of your smile.
Facial Structure: Helps maintain or restore the natural contours of your face that may have been altered due to tooth loss and bone resorption.
The Sinus Lift Procedure
Initial Consultation and Assessment
Evaluation: Your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate your dental health using X-rays or CT scans to determine the height and width of your existing bone and assess the health of your sinuses.
Treatment Plan: A customised treatment plan is developed based on your specific needs.
Preparation
Anesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, often with sedation to ensure patient comfort.
Incision and Sinus Lift
Incision: An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone.
Sinus Membrane Lift: A small window is opened in the bone to gently push the sinus membrane upward.
Bone Grafting
Bone Graft Placement: Bone graft material is placed into the space where the sinus was lifted. This material can come from your own body, a donor, animal sources, or be synthetic.
Stabilisation: The bone graft is stabilised in the area, and the incision is sutured closed.
Healing Period
Healing Time: The bone graft needs time to integrate with your natural bone, which typically takes 4 to 9 months. During this period, new bone will form, creating enough bone height for implant placement.
Monitoring: Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the healing process and ensure the graft is integrating properly.
Dental Implant Placement
Post-Healing: Once the graft has fully integrated and sufficient bone mass is present, dental implants can be placed in the augmented area.
A sinus lift is a crucial procedure for patients who require dental implants in the upper jaw but lack sufficient bone height. By adding bone and lifting the sinus membrane, this surgery creates a stable foundation for dental implants, improving oral function and aesthetics. If you are considering dental implants but have been told you do not have enough bone, a sinus lift may be the solution. Consult with your dental professional to determine if this procedure is right for you and to develop a personalised treatment plan.
