A sinus lift, also known as a sinus augmentation procedure, raises the floor of the sinus cavity. It helps develop the underlying bone to prepare for dental implants.
When is a sinus lift recommended?
The upper jaw is a tricky place to have a dental implant due to the proximity of the sinuses around the teeth. For a dental implant to be successful, the jaw requires sufficient bone quantity and quality.
You might require a sinus lift in case of:
- Periodontal diseases
- Birth defects
- Oral cancer
- Structural variations in the bones around the sinus
You can consult the best dental surgeon near you to know if you require a sinus lift procedure for your dental implant.
What is the process for sinus lifts?
Sinus lift requires a dental specialist like an oral maxillofacial surgeon or a periodontist.
They will first examine you to determine where they will take a bone graft. If the bone is from your body, it will be from areas around your mouth or body. You can also receive a cadaver graft.
The dental surgeon will give you local anaesthesia before cutting into your gums. With the underlying bone exposed, they will lift a small bony area into the sinus and fill it with the bone graft.
A sinus lift procedure will require between 4-12 months to heal so it can be ready for the dental implant.
You will require to take pain relievers, antibiotics and nasal sprays regularly after the surgery to help heal.
When should you consult your dental surgeon after a sinus lift procedure?
Usually, the sinus lift procedure heals well on its own. In some cases, you might need to be cautious. Consult your surgeon if you have:
- Increasing pain or swelling
- Continuous bleeding
- Fever lasting more than 1-2days
- Dislodging of the bone graft after sneezing or coughing
What are the risks?
Although dental surgery has advanced, there are certain risks involved with a sinus lift procedure.
These include
- Bone infection
- Periodontal infection
- Injury to surrounding teeth, nerves or blood vessels
- Sinus infection
- Excessive bleeding
Conclusion
Sinus lift surgery can prep your upper jaw for a dental implant. It improves your bone quality and increases the chance of successful dental implant placement.
Request an appointment at Apollo Dental Clinic - Durgapur Call 1800 1020 288 to book an appointment.
The sinus lift procedure may take about six months to heal. Following the healing, you can be ready for implant fixation.
These surgical procedures are under local anaesthesia. You will not experience pain during the process.
Following a sinus lift procedure, you can start with light activity as it will prevent post-surgical complications like a blood clot. You will have to avoid strenuous activity and exercise for at least a week after the surgery.
