Dental Sinus Lift is a surgical procedure that is used to add bone to the upper jaw when there isn’t enough space between the jaw and the sinuses. The procedure is also known as sinus augmentation or sinus elevation.
The maxillary sinuses are located behind the cheekbones and above the upper teeth. When teeth are lost or extracted from the upper jaw, the bone in that area can begin to deteriorate, and the sinuses may expand to fill the empty space. This can result in inadequate bone density for dental implant placement.
A dental sinus lift is often recommended when a patient wants to replace missing teeth in the upper jaw with dental implants, but there isn’t enough bone to support them. The procedure involves adding bone to the area between the jaw and the sinuses, creating enough space for the implant to be placed.
The dental sinus lift procedure typically involves the following steps:
- The patient is given local anesthesia to numb the area.
- The dentist makes a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone.
- A small opening is made in the bone to access the sinus cavity.
- The membrane lining the sinus is gently lifted upward to make room for the bone graft material.
- The bone graft material is placed in the space created between the jaw and the sinus cavity.
- The incision is closed with sutures.
The bone graft material used for a dental sinus lift can come from a variety of sources, including the patient’s own bone, synthetic materials, or donor bone. The type of material used depends on the individual patient’s needs and the dentist’s preference.
After the procedure, the patient may experience some swelling, pain, or bleeding. It is important to follow the dentist’s post-operative instructions carefully, which may include avoiding smoking, using ice packs, taking pain medication, and eating a soft diet.
It usually takes several months for the bone graft to fully integrate with the patient’s natural bone. Once the area has healed, the patient can proceed with dental implant placement.
Dental sinus lift is considered a safe and effective procedure when performed by a trained and experienced dentist. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved, including infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding teeth or tissue.
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications during a dental sinus lift include:
- Smoking
- Poor oral hygiene
- Chronic sinus problems
- Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders
It is important for patients to discuss their medical history and any medications they are taking with their dentist before undergoing a dental sinus lift.
In conclusion, dental sinus lift is a surgical procedure used to add bone to the upper jaw when there isn’t enough space between the jaw and the sinuses. It is commonly performed to create enough bone density for dental implant placement in the upper jaw. The procedure involves adding bone graft material to the space created between the jaw and the sinus cavity. While there are risks associated with the procedure, it is generally considered safe and effective when performed by a trained and experienced dentist. If you are considering a dental sinus lift, be sure to discuss the procedure and its potential benefits and risks with your dentist.