Sinus Lift
What is Sinus Lift?
Sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure performed before implant placement in the upper jaw. It involves adding bone material into the sinus cavity to elevate the sinus floor and provide more bone volume.
When are Sinus Lift Techniques Not Performed?
There are certain situations where sinus lift procedures are not recommended. For example, sinus lift may not be performed in the following cases:
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Acute Sinusitis: If there is an acute flare-up of sinusitis, the sinus lift procedure should be postponed.
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Very Low Sinus Floor: If the sinus floor is too low, the sinus lift procedure may be risky, and alternative treatments should be considered.
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Jaw Cyst: If there is a cyst in the sinus area, it may need to be treated before proceeding with a sinus lift.
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Heavy Smoking: Excessive smoking can negatively impact the healing process, so alternative treatment options should be considered in such cases.
How is Sinus Lift Performed?
The sinus lift procedure involves the following steps:
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Local Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under local anesthesia for the patient's comfort.
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Lifting the Sinus Membrane: The dentist creates a small window to access the sinus membrane.
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Placement of Bone Graft: Additional bone graft material (usually synthetic or the patient's own bone tissue) is placed into the sinus cavity.
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Healing Process: Integration and healing of the bone graft are expected. This process may take several months.
When Can Implants be Placed in the Area After Sinus Lift?
Following a sinus lift, successful integration and healing of the bone graft are expected. This process typically takes several months. Your dentist will determine the most suitable time for implant placement. The timeline may vary from individual to individual as each person's healing process may be different.
