Sinus Lift Operation

Sinus lifting, also known as sinus lift surgery, is a surgical procedure applied in cases where the patient's bone volume and quality are insufficient. The sinus lift operation, which aims to create suitable conditions for implant treatment, allows us to compensate for bone loss experienced by the patient after tooth loss. Specialist Dentist Emin Serhat Arıkan, who serves patients in Adana, explained what sinus lifting is, how it is performed, who it is suitable for, and what to pay attention to during the recovery process.

What is Sinus Lift (Sinus Lifting)?

Sinus lift surgery is a surgical intervention applied when the patient does not have sufficient bone density or volume in the upper jawbone for implants to be placed. The maxillary sinuses, located in the posterior part of the upper jaw above the area where the molars are, can expand over time. After tooth loss, the jawbone can lose volume. In such situations, to enable implant treatment for the patient, it may be necessary to elevate the sinus floor and apply bone grafting. A patient who loses a tooth for any reason and has not had implant treatment for a long time experiences significant bone loss in the jawbone and becomes unable to receive implant treatment. With the sinus lift (sinus lifting) procedure, the necessary bone volume for implant treatment is achieved.

Sinus lifting should be considered as part of dental implant treatment. When deciding which of the two different methods of sinus lift to choose, the patient's existing bone density is taken into account.

Why is Sinus Lifting Performed?

Sinus lifting is a procedure performed to strengthen the jawbone in cases where bone volume is insufficient for implant placement.

Situations of Insufficient Bone Support

Compared to the lower jaw, the upper jawbone normally has lower density and a thinner structure. When tooth loss occurs, the bone resorption process accelerates. Implant treatment requires bone support. Sinus lifting is necessary to solve this problem.

Some people have a naturally small jawbone structure. This leads to insufficient space for implant placement. Gum diseases can also damage the jawbone over time. In such cases, implant treatment becomes impossible. Therefore, a sinus lift procedure is resorted to.

The Importance of Sinus Lift for Long-Term Implant Success

If implant treatment is performed with insufficient bone support:

• It may loosen and fall out in a short time. This leads to treatment failure.
• Chewing function may be impaired, and the patient may experience discomfort.
• The jawbone becomes more vulnerable to inflammation. In fact, the implant may need to be removed again in the future.

On the other hand, a jawbone strengthened with a sinus lift procedure ensures that implant treatment is applied much more healthily and successfully. For long-term implant success, your dentist analyzes the current condition of your jawbone and may recommend a sinus lift procedure if deemed necessary.

How is Sinus Lift (Sinus Lifting) Performed?

The sinus lift procedure is performed by elevating the sinus membrane and adding bone graft to this area. This treatment, mostly performed under local anesthesia, can sometimes be performed with general anesthesia or sedation. The patient's jawbone density, sinus cavities, and the area required for implant placement are determined using X-rays and other imaging technologies. Afterwards, the type of bone graft to be used is decided.

Elevation of the Sinus Membrane and Bone Grafting

During the sinus lift procedure, the sinus membrane is first meticulously elevated. Afterwards, bone graft is added to the opened area.

What are the Advantages of Sinus Lift (Sinus Lifting) Procedure?

Thanks to the sinus lift procedure, the success rate of implant treatment increases significantly. It allows for much longer-lasting and durable implant use. As long as the implants are not lost, no further treatment cost arises. It helps to achieve results very close to the natural tooth structure. A patient who struggles to chew hard foods and needs to eat soft foods will have implant-supported teeth after the procedure. The function of the teeth is restored.

What to Pay Attention to After Sinus Lift (Sinus Lifting)?

After the sinus lift procedure, a period of four to nine months may be needed for complete ossification. In the first few days, the patient may experience swelling or slight bleeding in the treated area. Blowing or sniffling the nose vigorously can cause pressure on the sinus membrane.

It is beneficial to avoid strenuous exercises during the first few weeks. Activities that increase body temperature can raise the patient's blood pressure, which may result in bleeding. The patient should pay attention to their eating habits. During this period, it is beneficial to avoid excessively hot, excessively hard foods and instead consume soft and nutrient-rich foods.

If deemed necessary, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or painkillers to the patient after the sinus lift procedure. Additionally, methods such as inhaling mentholated steam can be used to relieve nasal congestion.