Sinus Lift: A Surgical Procedure Used in Implant Treatment

Sinus lift is a surgical procedure applied when there’s insufficient bone volume for implant treatment. It’s particularly preferred when there’s a lack of posterior teeth in the upper jaw, leading to an expanded sinus cavity.

How Is Sinus Lift Performed?

Surgical Access: Generally done under local anesthesia, the gum is opened, and the sinus membrane is exposed.

Lifting the Sinus Floor: The sinus membrane is lifted to create a void.

Bone Grafting: Typically, a bone graft (from your body or synthetic materials) is placed in the void created. This graft helps expand the bone area for implant placement.

Healing: The healing of the bone graft may take a few months post-sinus lift. During this period, the graft fuses with the natural bone, strengthening it.

Implant Placement: After the bone graft heals, the stage for implant placement arrives, usually a few months later.

Who Is Suitable for Sinus Lift?

It’s suitable for patients with inadequate bone due to the absence of upper back teeth. It’s used when the sinus cavity expands, reducing the available bone for implants.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Sinus Lift

Advantages:

• Increases the bone volume for implant placement.
• Can enhance the success rate of implants.
• May yield successful functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Disadvantages:

• It involves surgery and a potentially lengthy recovery period.
• There can be a risk of complications in certain cases.

Conclusion

Sinus lift is an effective surgical procedure used when there’s insufficient bone for implant treatment. When performed correctly by a skilled dentist, it can enhance the success of implants and provide functional treatment.