A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, is a procedure that makes it simpler to place dental implants. Some patients require dental implants but have actually suffered bone loss, thus not having enough bone assistance needed for implants. You can get the assistance you need by having a sinus augmentation.
This procedure increases the quantity of bone in the upper jaw that is needed for dental implants. This is among the most common bone implanting treatments for dental implant patients.
Who Needs A Sinus Augmentation?
Over the last 25 years, dental implants have become quicker offered, making them a significantly common dental procedure. As more individuals get dental implants to change missing teeth, sinus lifts likewise have actually ended up being more typical.
A sinus augmentation might be required if you are missing out on teeth and jawbone in the back of your jaw, near your sinuses. Jawbone and teeth in this area could be lost due to abnormality, gum disease, cancer, other medical conditions, or just the natural recovery procedure. A sinus lift can likewise be used if your sinuses are too close to your upper jaw and you require more area to put the implant.
Preparation to a Sinus Lift
A sinus lift is generally a bone transplant. You’re utilizing a bone from one place and utilizing it in your upper jaw. The primary step is to determine where the bone used in the surgery will originate from. The 3 most common types of bone used in sinus lift surgeries are:
- Bone from your own body (autogenous bone) normally drawn from other areas of your mouth or body.
- Bone from a cadaver (allogenic bone).
- Bone from a cow (xenograft).
- An artificial bone-like material.
After the bone source is determined, your cosmetic surgeon and/or dental expert will take terrific care to study the anatomy of your jaw and sinus. Precise measurements will be required to examine the height and width of your existing bone and to assess your sinus. Once the doctor and you have picked the bone to use, they will move forward with the procedure.
Sinus Lifting Procedure: Step-by-step
The sinus lift procedure is a safe and uncomplicated procedure. A sinus augmentation is typically carried out at the prosthodontist’s or oral cosmetic surgeon’s office. The entire procedure takes between 90 minutes to two hours.
- First, the patient is sedated using regional and/or basic anesthesia. If essential, a doctor may use laughing gas, but this is less typical.
- Next, the cosmetic surgeon will cut the gum tissue where your back teeth used to be to expose the jawbone.
- With the tissue raised, and the jawbone exposed, the surgeon will cut a small circle in the bone through which they can gently push on the membrane of the sinuses.
- As the bony piece is lifted into the sinus cavity area the hole is filled with the formerly determined bone graft.
- After this is done, the procedure is total and the surgeon will close the incision with stitches.
How Painful Is a Sinus Lift Procedure?
Real feedback from patients who have undergone a sinus lifting will be the best answer to this question. Here are some reviews of the sinus lift.
Daisy: Today I had my bone grafting surgery. Before the surgery I decided to read reviews, a few days before the surgery I got scared and started doubting the surgeon’s professionalism. Finally decided to go and make a decision on the spot. I decided to go and make a decision on the spot. After the discussion, I agreed to go. The surgery was done under local anesthesia. My tears began to flow before the operation and they werehed little by little during it. Of course I was not allowed to cry. It was my first surgery and it was the worst 1.5 hours of my life. We were taking bone tissue from the lower jaw and transplanting it to the front. Maybe it would have gone better under anesthesia. But no one offered me that option. You can feel everything, how the skin is cut, how the bone tissue is sawed off, you can enjoy the taste of your blood, how they pierce your skin with a needle when they close it. It took me about three hours to recover from the surgery. I cried, was in a bit of shock, felt sorry for myself. After taking the medication it got better. I would have put it off if I had known what I was going through.
Ann-Marie: I had an open sinus elevator on the upper left 6 tooth six days ago. Immediately an implant was placed. The process of surgery is absolutely painless – the anesthesia is very good, but it is not very pleasant, especially when they drill a new hole into the bone. Dilators in the mouth and long enough manipulation of the surgeon – also not the most pleasant, but also not the worst in all this ugliness. The whole thing lasted just over an hour. Even the pain after surgery is not as severe as I thought, rather just nasty and tedious, and is well relieved by pain pills (I used Ketanol).
What Happens After a Sinus Lifting Procedure?
Patients are able to go home after they wake from the anesthesia. After the sinus lift procedure, a lot of patients experience a little swelling and bleeding, but just minimal pain. The most vital part of recovery is to keep the bone graft in place, so it’s important to avoid blowing your nose (or sneezing, if possible) Either of these things might cause the bone-graft product to move and loosen the stitches.
When you go home, you will likely get a saline spray to keep your nose damp, a prescription to prevent congestion and swelling, a prescription for pain medicine, an antibiotic, and/or an antimicrobial mouthwash to assist prevent infection. The majority of patients will be in bed with ice around the area for a day or so until they can resume regular activities.
You will have a follow-up visit with the dental expert 7-10 days after your surgery. During this appointment, the professional will take a look at the surgical site and may get rid of any stitches that have actually not dissolved on their own. In many cases, patients are asked to return a couple of more times simply to make certain the area is recovery effectively and to take necessary x-ray images.
A complete recovery from a sinus lift takes a minimum of 6 months for the sinuses to recover and the bone to be strong enough to support dental implants. Although the process might seem slow, you are working towards outcomes that will last a lifetime.
How Much Does A Sinus Lift Cost?
The cost for a sinus lift is normally between $1,500 for a small and easy lift to $5,000 for more complicated cases. Where there is more bone graft product needed, the cost of the surgery generally increases. You wish to ensure you are working with a comprehensive and competent expert when considering major surgery.
Dangers of a Sinus Lift Procedure
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure and therefore brings some inherent threats. The primary risk of this surgery is the piercing or tearing of the membrane. If this happens, it can be repaired and the surgery can continue. Sometimes, in the case of a larger tear, the membrane would need to be provided time to heal prior to the lift can take place again later on.
The larger risk is a sinus infection. Your surgeon will offer you medication to safeguard versus this and you ought to be careful not to sneeze or blow your nose too heavily to avoid moving the bone graft material or remove your stitches. For this reason, we do not suggest getting a sinus augmentation during your allergy season.