Sinus lift

Understanding sinus lifts

Why a Sinus Lift is Needed

The sinus lift procedure is often necessary when there isn't enough bone height in the upper jaw, or the sinuses are too close to the jaw, to place dental implants. These conditions could occur due to:

1. Long-term tooth loss without replacement leading to a loss of bone.

2. Bone loss due to periodontal (gum) disease.

3. The maxillary sinus being too close to the upper jaw for implants to be placed.

4. The anatomy of the skull causing the maxillary sinus to be larger in some people, leaving less bone available for implants.

The Sinus Lift Procedure

The sinus lift procedure involves lifting the sinus membrane and adding bone graft material into the space created to allow the bone to grow. This provides a solid foundation on which dental implants can be placed.

The procedure typically involves:

1. Preparation: You'll undergo a thorough examination, including X-rays and possibly a 3D computed tomography (CT or CBCT) scan. This will allow the dental surgeon to accurately measure the height and width of your existing bone and evaluate your sinus health.

2. Anaesthesia: The procedure begins with local anaesthesia to numb the surgical area. If you are nervous about the procedure you can also also ask your dentist about options for sedation.

3. Accessing the Sinus: A small incision is made in the gum, where the back teeth used to be, lifting the gum away to expose the bone. From here, there are 2 ways to access the sinus floor:

   1. Internal sinus lift - The sinus floor is elevated from the socket of your missing tooth (where the implant is going to be placed)

   2. External sinus lift - The sinus floor is elevated from the cheek side of your jaw bone by cutting a small window to access the sinus floor

4. Lifting the Sinus Membrane: The sinus membrane is gently lifted away from the jaw.

5. Placing a Bone Graft Material: The space where the sinus floor used to be is filled with bone graft material, effectively elevating the sinus floor.

6. Closing the Incision: The gum tissue is stitched back up. The healing process generally takes a few months – the time your body needs to naturally grow new bone into the grafted material.

Post-Procedure Care

After the procedure, you may experience swelling in the area where the bone was added. Some bleeding from the mouth or nose is normal and will subside. You'll be given prescriptions for pain medicine, an antibiotic to prevent infection, and an antimicrobial mouthwash to help maintain good oral hygiene during healing.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgery, sinus lift procedures carry some risks. These could include infection, sinus membrane punctures or tears, incomplete bone integration, or graft material shifting. However, sinus lift surgery has been shown to be a highly successful procedure for preparing the upper jaw for dental implants, with a low risk of complications.

Follow-up and Implant Placement

Follow-up appointments will allow your dentist to evaluate the surgical site and ensure proper healing. Once sufficient healing has occurred – typically 4-9 months later – the dental implants can be placed.

Typical fees for sinus lift surgery

Sinus lift surgery can vary a lot in price because many factors affect how complex the procedure will be, however you can expect to pay between £800 - £2000 at most dental practices.

Conclusion

A sinus lift is a routine, predictable surgical procedure that can help create a solid foundation for dental implants in patients with bone loss in the upper jaw. It's a well-tolerated procedure that can be key to successful dental restoration. However, like any surgical procedure, it's essential to understand the risks and benefits and discuss them with your dentist.

If you have any questions or concerns about a sinus lift or dental implants, don't hesitate to discuss them with your oral surgeon, periodontist, or maxillofacial surgeon. They can provide you with information tailored to your individual circumstances and needs.