Sinus Lift Operation

Sinus lifting, also known as sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure applied in cases where the patient's bone volume and density are insufficient. Aiming to prepare suitable conditions for implant treatment, the sinus lifting operation allows us to compensate for bone loss experienced after tooth loss. Serving his patients in Adana, Specialist Dentist Emin Serhat Arıkan explained for you what sinus augmentation (sinus lifting) is, how it is performed, who it can be applied to, and what needs to be taken care of during the recovery process.

What is Sinus Augmentation (Sinus Lifting)?

Sinus lifting is a surgical intervention applied when there is not enough bone density or volume in the patient's upper jawbone to place implants. The maxillary sinuses located above the molar area in the posterior region of the upper jaw can expand over time. Following tooth loss, the jawbone may lose volume.

In such cases, elevating the sinus floor and applying a bone graft may be necessary in order to perform implant treatment on the patient. A patient who loses a tooth for any reason and does not have implant treatment for a long period experiences serious loss in jawbone volume and becomes unable to undergo implant treatment. With the sinus augmentation (sinus lifting) procedure, the bone volume required for implant treatment is provided.

The sinus lifting procedure should be evaluated as part of dental implant treatment. When deciding which method to prefer in the sinus lifting procedure—which can be applied using two different methods—the patient's existing bone density is taken into account.

Why is Sinus Lifting Performed?

The sinus lifting (sinus augmentation) procedure is a surgical bone augmentation method applied when there is insufficient bone height to perform an implant in the posterior upper jaw region. Thanks to this procedure, the sinus floor is lifted upward in a controlled manner, and the resulting cavity is supported with a bone graft to create sufficient bone volume where an implant can be placed.

Why Does Bone Deficiency Occur in the Upper Jaw?

The upper jawbone has a more porous and lower-density structure compared to the lower jaw. Particularly after the extraction of molar teeth, unused bone begins to resorb over time. In addition, the maxillary sinus cavity can expand downward over time. The co-occurrence of these two situations may cause the bone height necessary for safe placement of the implant to remain insufficient.

• Bone Resorption After Tooth Loss: Following tooth extraction, the jawbone naturally begins to lose volume. Leaving missing teeth untreated for a long period may cause bone loss to progress. When bone height drops below a certain level, the sinus lifting procedure may become necessary for implant treatment to be successful.

• Congenital Anatomical Structure: In some individuals, the upper jawbone may be congenitally thin, or the sinus cavities may have a wider structure than normal. These anatomical characteristics may lead to a lack of sufficient bone support for the implant. Sinus lifting application aims to create an appropriate bone infrastructure for implant treatment in these patients.

• Effect of Gum Diseases: Advanced gum diseases affect not only the teeth but also the supporting jawbone. Losses in bone tissue can make implant placement difficult. In such cases, sinus lifting is performed to increase bone volume, providing suitable conditions for implant treatment.

• Purpose of Sinus Lifting: The main purpose of the sinus lifting procedure is to create sufficient bone volume in the posterior upper jaw region so that the implant can function healthily for many years. If clinical examination and radiological evaluations determine that jawbone height is insufficient for implant placement, sinus lifting may be planned to support treatment success.

Why is Sinus Lifting Important for the Long-Term Success of the Implant?

The sinus augmentation (sinus lifting) procedure is performed to apply implant treatment safely and successfully in cases where bone volume in the posterior upper jaw is insufficient. Implants applied without sufficient bone support may encounter stability issues and various complications in the long run. In cases of insufficient bone support:

• The stability of the implant may decrease. The implant may fail to integrate properly with the jawbone (osseointegration), causing the implant to loosen or fail.

• Chewing function may be negatively affected. When the implant is not supported sturdily enough, a feeling of discomfort may occur during chewing, and loads placed on the implant cannot be distributed evenly.

• Treatment success may be put at risk. Insufficient bone volume for the implant can negatively affect its long-term use and, in some cases, require the implant to be re-evaluated.

• Additional surgical interventions may be required. Re-treating failed implants can extend treatment duration and increase costs.

Conversely, when sufficient bone volume is achieved as a result of sinus augmentation application:

• Firm anchorage of the implant into the jawbone is supported.

• The long-term success rate of implant treatment is increased.

• Chewing function is carried out more healthily.

• The probability of using the implant problem-free for many years rises.

When planning implant treatment, the dentist evaluates jawbone height and density through clinical examination and three-dimensional imaging methods. If sufficient bone support for the implant is lacking, sinus augmentation may be recommended to ensure a successful and long-lasting treatment.

How is the Sinus Membrane Lifted and How is a Bone Graft Performed?

The sinus augmentation (sinus lifting) procedure is a surgical procedure aimed at creating sufficient bone height to place an implant in the posterior upper jaw region. During application, the membrane at the sinus floor (Schneiderian membrane) is carefully lifted upward, and the resulting space is filled with a bone graft. Thus, new bone formation is supported over time, obtaining an appropriate bone volume for the implant.

The procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia. However, depending on the patient's general health status, the scope of the procedure, or anxiety level, sedation or general anesthesia may also be preferred.

Pre-Treatment Planning

Before the sinus lifting procedure, a detailed clinical examination is conducted. Then, with a panoramic X-ray and, when necessary, three-dimensional dental tomography (CBCT):

• The height and density of the upper jawbone are evaluated.

• The anatomical structure of the sinus cavities is examined.

• The region where the implant will be placed is planned in detail.

• The appropriate bone graft material for the patient is determined.

This planning is of great importance for performing the procedure safely and successfully.

What Are the Advantages of Sinus Augmentation (Sinus Lifting)?

Thanks to the sinus augmentation procedure, the success percentage of implant treatment increases significantly. It enables much longer-term and durable implant use. As long as implants are not lost, additional treatment costs do not recur. It helps achieve results very close to natural tooth structure. A patient who struggles to chew hard foods and needs to be fed soft foods gains implant-supported teeth following the procedure. Dental function is restored.

What Should Be Taken Care of After Sinus Augmentation (Sinus Lifting)?

A timeframe of four to nine months may be needed after sinus lifting for full ossification to occur. During the first few days, the patient may experience swelling or mild bleeding in the procedure area. Blowing the nose hard or forcefully clearing it can cause pressure on the sinus membrane.

It is beneficial to avoid heavy exercise during the first few weeks. Activities that cause an increase in body temperature can elevate blood pressure, leading to bleeding. The patient must pay attention to eating habits. Avoiding excessively hot or very hard foods during this period and instead consuming soft, nutrient-dense foods will provide benefits.

If deemed necessary, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic medications or painkillers after the sinus augmentation procedure. Additionally, inhaling mentholated steam and similar methods can be used to relieve nasal congestion.

How is the Price of Sinus Augmentation (Sinus Lifting) Determined?

The price of sinus augmentation (sinus lifting) may vary according to the structure of the patient's jawbone, the degree of bone loss, the surgical technique to be applied, the bone graft to be used, and the scope of treatment. Furthermore, whether the implant will be placed during the same session and the need for additional surgical procedures are also among factors affecting treatment cost. For this reason, giving a standard price is not possible; exact price information is determined through a personalized treatment plan prepared following clinical examination and radiological evaluation.