Sinus Lift
What is a Sinus Lift?
Sinus lift is a type of bone graft into the upper sinus area
Sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure designed to increase bone volume in the upper jaw, particularly in the posterior maxillary sinus. This procedure is often necessary when there is insufficient bone height to support dental implants. By elevating the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material into the space below it, a sinus lift allows the body to increase bone height in the area, creating a more stable foundation for dental implants. This procedure is essential for patients needing dental implants in the upper premolar or molar area, with a history of significant bone loss or a naturally low sinus floor.
How is Sinus Lifting Done?
Insufficient bone height in upper posterior areas may require a sinus lift:
While standard implant length ranges from 7-13mm, a minimum of 3-4mm of bone height is required for implant stability.
When there is more than 5mm of bone height present, a "crestal approach (indirect method)" sinus lift can be performed, lifting the sinus floor through the implant site before placing the implant.
When 3-5mm of bone height is present, a "lateral window approach (direct method)" is required, by accessing the sinus through the side of the alveolar bone and placing the implant simultaneously.
When less than 3mm of bone is available, a "delayed lateral window approach" is required, followed by 4 months of healing before implant placement. This process involves two separate surgeries for the patient.
Sinus Lift Complications
Potential complications and management for sinus lifting:
Swelling, bruising, and pain are common after a sinus lift, especially with the lateral window approach. These symptoms typically peak on the third day. Pain can be managed with medications, while swelling and bruising can be alleviated by applying an ice pack for the first 5 days, followed by a heat pack.
Insufficient bone growth is a common issue where the sinus lift, particularly with the lateral window approach, achieves partial success but falls short of the desired volume. In these cases, additional grafting can be performed using the crestal approach during implant placement surgery.
Patients with recurrent sinus infections or seasonal allergies are at higher risk of developing infections following a sinus lift procedure. Early infections can be managed with appropriate antibiotics, and in some cases, the sinus may need to be reaccessed to clean out the infection.
Patients with a thin sinus membrane or existing sinus pathology are more susceptible to sinus membrane perforation and graft loss. If perforation occurs, it can be repaired by re-accessing the sinus and placing a repair membrane.