Sinus Lift Surgery: How it Works and What to Expect During the Procedure

A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that increases the amount of bone in the upper jaw to make it possible to place dental implants. 

What is a sinus lift?

Through a little gap in the gum tissue, the bone graft material is put directly into the sinus cavity in this surgery.

The upper jaw's maxillary sinuses are two air-filled spaces that are situated behind the cheekbones. Above the roots of the back teeth lies the floor of the maxillary sinuses. The bone around the tooth socket starts to resorb (absorb) when a tooth is gone. This may result in a situation where there is insufficient bone to sustain a dental implant.

To provide more bone to the upper jaw so that a dental implant may be inserted, a sinus lift treatment is carried out. The surgeon will make a tiny incision in the sinus membrane and insert bone graft material into the sinus chamber as part of the treatment. The bone graft substance will aid in promoting new bone formation, which will provide the dental implant with a stable foundation.

Why do I need a sinus lift?

You may need a sinus lift if you are missing one or more back teeth and you are considering getting dental implants. If you do not have enough bone in the upper jaw, a sinus lift procedure may be necessary to make it possible to place dental implants.

Who is a good candidate for sinus lift surgery?

Good candidates for sinus lift surgery include:

• People who are missing one or more back teeth
• People who have lost bone in the upper jaw due to tooth loss or gum disease
• People who are healthy enough to undergo surgery

If you are considering sinus lift surgery, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

What are the types of Sinus Lift Surgery?

There are two main types of sinus lift surgery:

1. Lateral window sinus lift: A tiny incision is created in the gum tissue above the rear tooth socket during this treatment. A little window is then made in the sinus wall after the bone has been extracted from its socket. The sinus chamber is then filled with the bone graft material, and the window is closed with a membrane.
2. Internal sinus lift: Through a little gap in the gum tissue, the bone graft material is put directly into the sinus cavity in this surgery.

Your level of bone loss and the position of the lost tooth will determine the kind of sinus lift surgery that is best for you. Which surgical procedure is best for you can be decided with the assistance of your dentist or oral surgeon.

Lateral window sinus lift

The lateral window sinus lift is the most common type of sinus lift surgery. It is performed by making a small incision in the gum tissue over the back tooth socket. The bone is then removed from the socket, and a small window is created in the sinus wall. The bone graft material is then placed into the sinus cavity, and the window is covered with a membrane.

The lateral window sinus lift is a relatively simple procedure, and it has a high success rate. However, it can be more invasive than other types of sinus lift surgery.

Internal sinus lift

The internal sinus lift is a less invasive type of sinus lift surgery. It is performed by making a small opening in the gum tissue and then placing the bone graft material directly into the sinus cavity. The bone graft material is then covered with a membrane.

The internal sinus lift is a newer procedure, and it is not as widely available as the lateral window sinus lift. However, it is less invasive, and it may be a better option for people who have a small amount of bone loss.

If you are considering sinus lift surgery, talk to your dentist near you or oral surgeon to see which type of surgery is right for you.

How is a sinus lift performed?

to numb the area. You may also be given a sedative to help you relax.

The procedure is performed in the following steps:

1. The surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue over the back tooth socket.
2. The surgeon will remove the bone from the socket and create a small opening in the sinus wall.
3. The surgeon will place a bone graft material into the sinus cavity.
4. The surgeon will cover the bone graft material with a membrane to protect it.
5. The surgeon will close the incision with stitches.

What to expect after sinus lift surgery?

You need to strictly adhere to your medical professional's instructions after a sinus lift procedure. For a number of weeks, you must refrain from smoking and heavy activities. In order to avoid infection, you should wash your teeth and floss often.

The majority of patients feel some discomfort following sinus lift surgery. Usually, the discomfort goes away after a few days. Additionally, there may be some bruising and swelling. 

Following a sinus lift procedure, you could anticipate the following things:

• Your surgery site will be covered with a bandage.
• You'll be offered painkillers and advice on how to take care of the region.
• For a number of weeks, you must refrain from smoking and heavy activities.
• To avoid infection, wash your teeth and floss frequently.
• You could feel a little uncomfortable, swell up, and bruise.
• Usually, the discomfort goes away after a few days.
• You must carefully adhere to your doctor's directions.

How long does it take to recover from a sinus lift surgery?

Each patient recovers from a sinus lift operation at a different pace. Within a week or two, most people are able to resume their regular activities. To completely recuperate, some individuals may need up to six weeks.

The following advice can help you recover quickly:

• Get lots of sleep.
• Drink a lot of water.
• Consume soft food.
• Take your painkillers as directed.
• Avoid doing anything vigorous.
• Avoid smoking.
• Brush and floss your teeth frequently.
• Inform your doctor of any issues.
• Be careful to speak with your doctor if you have any worries regarding your healing.

Conclusion

Benefits of sinus lift surgery include effective implant placement, greater bone volume, enhanced aesthetics, and restored chewing function. However, shorter implants, zygomatic implants, and ridge expansion are alternatives to sinus lift surgery. To choose the most suitable oral surgery in Gibsonton based on your unique circumstances, bone quality, and implant needs, it is essential to see a dental expert.

Looking to get sinus lift surgery in Gibsonton? Visit or call Orange Blossom Oral Surgery to learn more!