What is Sinus Lift Surgery
Sinus lift surgery is a procedure to increase the height of the upper jawbone in the area beneath the sinus for the purpose of dental implant placement.
An individual needs sinus lift surgery under the following conditions:
- Bone resorption in the upper jaw after posterior tooth extraction.
- Enlargement of the maxillary sinus and reduction of bone space.
- Need for dental implant placement in the posterior upper jaw with insufficient bone.
- History of periodontal (gum) disease that has caused bone destruction.
- Presence of trauma or injury to the upper jaw that has led to bone loss.
- Natural structure of the upper jaw with inherently low bone height.
When discussing dental implant placement in the upper jaw, one of the challenges dental specialists face is insufficient bone height in the posterior area of the upper jaw, also known as the back section.
In many patients, especially those who have had their upper molars extracted a long time ago, the bone in this area has resorbed, and the maxillary sinus space has expanded.
In such conditions, implants cannot be placed directly into the bone. This is because the implant base will not be sufficiently embedded in the bone, and the probability of treatment failure is very high.
This is where Sinus Lift Surgery comes into play as a specialized solution. It is a surgical technique that allows the dentist to create the necessary conditions for successful implant placement by increasing the height of the upper jawbone.
But the question is, what exactly is a sinus lift? Why is a dentist forced to perform it, and how is a sinus lift actually done?
Stay with us in this article from Dr. Bonianian Dental Clinic. Because in this article, we will provide you with all the necessary information regarding this surgery.
Where is the Dental Sinus Located?
The maxillary sinus is one of the air-filled cavities in the skull, located within the upper jawbone and above the large and small molars of the upper jaw.
This structure becomes particularly important in cases like dental implant placement. This is because if bone resorption occurs after tooth extraction, the sinus moves downwards, and not enough bone space remains for implant placement.
In such conditions, to create adequate bone height, sinus lift surgery is performed.
What is Sinus Lift Surgery?
Sinus lift surgery is a specialized dental procedure during which the sinus is guided upwards from its original position. This surgery is applicable when we intend to place dental implants in the upper jaw (usually teeth numbers 3 and 4 onwards, or posterior teeth).
In this method, the sinus membrane is carefully lifted, and the created space is filled with bone graft material to provide a suitable bed for implant placement. This surgery is usually performed on patients who, due to bone resorption, do not have the possibility of direct implant placement.
When Do We Need a Sinus Lift?
Based on the dentist’s diagnosis, sinus lift surgery will be necessary in certain situations. These conditions include the following:
- When you have been without a tooth for a while (you had your tooth extracted a few months or a year ago) and after a long time, you decided to replace your tooth through dental implant methods.
- When there is not enough space to place the implant post in your tooth.
- In situations where your upper jawbone does not have good strength for implant post placement.
How is Sinus Lift Surgery Performed?
There are two methods for sinus lift surgery: Open Sinus Lift and Closed Sinus Lift.
Sinus Lift Surgery – Open
In this method, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon, after numbing the surgical area, first makes an incision in the gum and upper jawbone and gently moves the sinus membrane upwards. Then, special bone graft material (bone powder) is placed in the created empty space. Finally, the surgeon places the fixture base in the jawbone and sutures the incision site.
Open sinus lift surgery is more difficult and more uncomfortable than the closed type of this surgery. However, in some situations, especially when the extent of sinus sagging is wide, there will be no other option than to use this method.
Complications of Open Sinus Lift Surgery
- Sinus membrane perforation (Schneiderian membrane tear)
- Infection
- Swelling and bruising
- Bleeding
- Pain and discomfort
- Temporary change in sensation or numbness
- Displacement or resorption of the bone graft
Sinus Lift Surgery – Closed
This method is simpler than open sinus surgery. This is because in closed sinus lift surgery, the dentist, using special equipment, guides the sinus membrane upwards from inside the tooth socket. Therefore, there will be no need to make an incision in the gum.
However, note that closed sinus lift surgery is only applicable in situations where the volume of the sinus that has descended is small.
Performing Sinus Lift Surgery at Dr. Bonianian Dental Clinic
Dr. Bonianian Dental Clinic, with years of experience in performing dental implant surgery and all related surgeries such as sinus lifts, is ready to provide all services to you, our dear clients. If you intend to have immediate dental implants, be sure to consult with your dentist about the need for sinus lift surgery before proceeding with the implant.
At our clinic, by holding an initial free consultation session, providing full explanations, developing a personalized treatment plan by our specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and providing the necessary instructions regarding post-operative care, we will be with you from the beginning to the end of this process.
Furthermore, payment of fees at Dr. Bonianian Dental Clinic will be in installments and throughout your treatment process. What could be better than this?
You can benefit from our implant and sinus lift services by contacting us at 00982188539720 or by visiting our clinic located in Tehran, Arjantin Square, Ahmad Qasir (Bokharest) Street, Sixth West Street, No. 22, Unit 7.
Experience of Sinus Lift Surgery at Dr. Bonianian Clinic from Our Specialist Team’s Perspective
Sinus lift surgery is one of the most sensitive and, at the same time, most vital stages of preparing the upper jawbone for dental implant placement. This surgery is performed when there is insufficient bone in the posterior part of the upper jaw, and we need to increase the bone volume to be able to place the implant with complete stability and success. At Dr. Bonianian Dental Clinic, we frequently encounter such cases.
In one of our recent cases, a middle-aged woman came to us who had lost her upper molars several years ago and now intended to have implants to regain her chewing ability. However, radiological examinations showed that due to bone resorption in the upper jaw area and expansion of the maxillary sinus, direct implant placement was not possible.
Decision for Sinus Lift Surgery
After a complete consultation and explaining the treatment process to the patient, it was decided to first perform sinus lift surgery (open method). In this method, by creating a small window in the outer wall of the sinus, we carefully lift the sinus membrane and fill the resulting space with bone graft material.
Surgical Process
On the day of surgery, the patient was completely comfortable under local anesthesia. Our surgical team, consisting of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and experienced assistants, with utmost care and adherence to complete sterilization principles, proceeded to create a lateral window in the sinus.
The sinus membrane was well preserved, and any tearing or leakage was prevented. Then, a combination of the patient’s own bone and biomaterials was used to fill the space under the membrane. The surgical site was carefully closed, and the patient was discharged after receiving complete instructions for post-operative care.
Treatment Outcome
After 6 months and regular check-ups, the bone graft was completely successful. The bone density at the surgical site had reached a level where we could confidently place the implant in the exact position. The patient, now completely satisfied, has implants that function as well as her natural teeth.
Does Sinus Lift Hurt?
Most people only feel discomfort after a dental sinus lift. Swelling, bleeding, and pain are also common side effects of this surgery. However, these annoying symptoms are completely normal and will improve over time and with the use of over-the-counter pain relievers.
What are the Risks of Sinus Lift?
Sinus lift surgery, like other surgeries, carries risks. The main risk of this surgery is perforation or tearing of the sinus membrane. But don’t worry!
If this happens, the surgeon will either suture the sinus tear or place a patch over it. If repairing the sinus membrane is more complicated, your surgeon may stop the procedure and give you time to heal before trying again.
Infection is also another potential complication and risk of this surgery. In rare cases, the existing bone may not integrate with the bone graft material. In this situation, the grafted area cannot develop a blood supply. If this happens, you may need to have the sinus lift procedure done again.
Difference Between Sinus Lift and Bone Graft
A sinus lift is a specific type of dental bone graft that is only performed in the upper jaw area and beneath the maxillary sinus to increase bone height for implant placement. In contrast, a bone graft, in general, can be performed in any area of the jaw (upper or lower jaw) that has suffered from a lack of bone volume.
| Sinus Lift | Differences (Aspect) |
|---|---|
| Only in the upper jaw, beneath the maxillary sinus | Location of Procedure |
| Increase bone height beneath the sinus | Main Goal |
| More specialized and sensitive surgery | Type of Surgery |
| Often before upper jaw implant placement | Timing of Procedure |
| Lifting the sinus membrane and placing a graft | Procedure Method |
| Specifically for patients with a lowered sinus | Scope of Application |
Cost of Dental Sinus Lift Surgery
The cost of sinus lift surgery will be determined based on factors such as the severity of sinus sagging, the complexity of the surgery, the condition of the bones, and the level of expertise and skill of the dental surgeon. For this reason, it is not possible to determine the price of this surgery without examining your condition.
If you are a resident of Tehran and intend to find out the exact price of sinus lift surgery, please visit Dr. Bonianian Dental Clinic located at Arjantin Square, Ahmad Qasir (Bokharest) Street, Sixth West Street, No. 22, Unit 7 for a free consultation session and price estimation.
Post-Operative Care for Sinus Lift Surgery
Dr. Nazanin Bonianian recommends the following regarding post-operative care for sinus lift surgery:
After the surgery, try not to expose your nose to wind and do not sneeze. (We know that controlling a sneeze is hard, so try to avoid anything that causes you to sneeze excessively).
Also, the dentist or dental specialist may prescribe the following for you:
- Saline spray to keep your nose moist.
- A prescription to prevent congestion and inflammation.
- Pain medication.
- Antibiotics.
- Antimicrobial mouthwash to prevent infection.
You will have a follow-up appointment with your dental specialist 7 to 10 days after the surgery. During this visit, the specialist will examine the surgical site and remove any undissolved sutures. In some cases, patients may need to return for check-ups a few more times. Although there is no cause for concern, your dental specialist just wants to make sure you are healing properly.
You can use the following tips for faster recovery:
- Use a cold compress on your face.
- Strictly avoid consuming hot foods.
- Strenuous exercise is prohibited for two weeks after surgery.
- For 3 days, eat soft and mashed foods.
- Do not use a straw for drinking liquids.
- Do not irritate the surgical area with your hand or tongue.
Final Summary
In this article from Dr. Bonianian Dental Clinic, you became acquainted with all the stages of sinus lift surgery, its advantages, and even the risks of this surgery. We also learned that this surgery is, in many cases, one of the requirements and prerequisites for dental implant surgery, performed with the aim of lifting the sinus membrane.
Dr. Nazi Bonyanian
Dental Surgeon (DDS) — Medical Council Number: 138662
Graduate of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with over 15 years of experience in implants, laminates, and oral and dental surgery.
Address: No. 22, Unit 7, West Alley 6, Bokharest Street, Argentina Sq., Tehran, Iran
Phone: +98-21-88539720 | WhatsApp: +98-912-514-2202
Email: info@drbonyanian.com
Working Hours: Sat–Wed 09:00–20:00 | Thu 09:00–14:00 | Friday Closed
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