A sinus lift, also known as a sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that increases the amount of bone in the upper jaw, particularly in the area of the molars and premolars. The maxillary sinuses are air-filled spaces located behind the cheeks and above the upper teeth. When the upper teeth are removed, there may be a thin wall of bone between the maxillary sinuses and the mouth, making it challenging to place dental implants.
The success and longevity of dental implants depend on the quality and quantity of jawbone to which the implants are anchored. If bone loss has occurred due to injury or periodontal disease, a sinus lift can raise the sinus floor and encourage new bone growth. By adding bone to the floor of the maxillary sinus above the gum line, the procedure allows for the secure placement of dental implants in the new bone.
This is one of the most common bone grafting procedures for patients with bone loss in the upper jaw, providing a strong foundation for successful dental implant placement.
A sinus lift, also known as a sinus augmentation, may be necessary if you experience the following:
- Missing multiple teeth in the back of your upper jaw.
- Significant bone loss in the back of your upper jaw.
- Missing teeth due to a congenital condition or birth defect.
- Missing a majority of your maxillary teeth and need support for dental implants.
Sinus Lift Procedure: The most common sinus augmentation procedure involves making a small incision in the premolar or molar region to expose the jawbone. An opening is then made in the bone, and the sinus membrane is gently elevated. The space beneath the membrane is filled with bone grafting material, which can come from your own body, a cadaver, or synthetic materials that mimic bone formation. Once the bone graft is in place, the incision is sutured, and the healing process begins.
After several months of healing, the graft integrates with the patient’s jawbone, creating a solid foundation for the placement and stabilization of dental implants in the new sinus bone.
In some cases, if there is enough existing bone between the upper jaw ridge and the bottom of the sinus, a sinus augmentation and dental implant placement can be done in a single procedure. However, if there isn’t sufficient bone, the sinus augmentation must be done first. The graft will then need to mature for several months, depending on the type of material used, before dental implants can be placed.
Sinus grafting has enabled many patients to receive dental implants, offering an alternative to wearing loose dentures.
