Sinus lift for implant placement is one of the few pre-surgical procedures that certain patients getting dental implants may be required to undergo.
It’s an invasive but necessary procedure that ensures the success of implants in patients who do not have their sinuses in the normal position, which primarily concerns the thinning of the jawbone (something that we’ll discuss in a bit).
Understanding the sinus lift procedure and why it may be necessary in some cases is crucial for everybody considering getting dental implants (in case they may have to get it done, so it’s always better to be educated beforehand).
In this blog, we’ll talk about sinus lift for dental implants, discussing its basics and laying out the step-by-step process involved in it.
What Are Sinuses, And How Could They Interfere With Dental Implants Placement?
Before we discuss the procedure for a sinus lift, we must first understand what sinuses are and how they could possibly affect implant placement.
Sinuses are basically air-filled spaces or sacs located at various positions throughout our skull. The specific sinuses that we’re concerned about with regards to dental implants, however, are the ‘maxillary sinuses‘, which are located right above the upper teeth, in the cheekbones area, to be precise (one at either side of the nose). These sinuses are lined with a moist membrane known as the mucosal membrane.
The purpose of maxillary sinuses is to lighten the weight of the skull (allowing for better balance and movement), filter and humidify the air as it passes through the nasal passages, prevent infections, enhance voice quality and tone, etc.
Since these sinuses are located right above the upper teeth, they may interfere with dental implant placement in the upper jaw in case the upper jaw has significant tooth loss in the back part (which results in shortening of the upper jawbone height and ultimately causing the sinuses to get too close to the deteriorating jawbone).
In such significant cases of upper jawbone loss, the distance between the maxillary sinuses and the jawbone gets so reduced that the sinuses take up the space that the bone normally occupies, making it difficult to justify candidacy for dental implants. This is because the jawbone has shrunk in the vertical dimension to the extent that the sinus floor/base starts clashing with the shortened jawbone.
What’s The Purpose Of Performing A Sinus Lift For Dental Implants?
Notice the above-mentioned scenario that we’ve just described; there are two important problems going on there, both of which need to be addressed:
- There’s severe jawbone loss in the maxilla, due to which its height is decreasing.
- The upper jawbone loss and its associated height shortening are bringing it very close to the maxillary sinuses.
The first issue would typically be treated by performing a bone graft (a surgery where extra bone tissue would be added to the areas where the jawbone loss has occurred, thereby rebuilding the lost jawbone height and making it healthy and dense enough to be able to support dental implants).
However, since the maxillary sinuses have almost merged into the upper jawbone, bone grafts cannot be performed unless and until the sinus floors are separated from the jawbone. For this, a sinus lift is performed.
The sinus lift is a surgical procedure where the membranes of the said sinuses are ‘lifted’ from the places where they’ve expanded into the jawbone. This creates a physical separation between the sinus floors and the jawbone, making enough room for the placement of bone grafts (for adding extra bone tissue to the jaw).
The additional bone structure given by the bone grafts would increase the jawbone height and density, allowing for successful implant placement.
The Step By Step Process Of A Sinus Lift
Now that we have clearly understood the basics of a sinus lift, including what it is and why it’s done, we’re in a position to discuss the actual procedure. The procedure of a sinus lift involves the following steps:
- First and foremost, it needs to be determined whether the patient is actually in need of a sinus lift. This is done during the initial consultation with your surgeon, who will first evaluate your overall oral profile and then specifically look for signs indicative of the need for a sinus lift. Things such as your jawbone density and height are measured via diagnostic tools like x-rays, CT scans, etc, confirming the necessity and eligibility for a sinus lift.
- In the next visit, the sinus lift procedure begins. It starts off by giving anaesthesia and/or sedation to the patient to make the surgery comfortable and painless.
- Small incisions are made at the posterior part of the upper jaw (near the molars and premolars) to expose the upper jaw.
- A small hole/window is drilled into the jawbone to access the sinus membrane.
- Keeping all the hygiene protocols in strict check, the sinus membrane is carefully lifted away from the jawbone using special instruments to create space/separation between the jawbone and the sinuses.
- Bone grafts (which could either be taken from the patient’s own body or be sourced synthetically) are placed into this newly created space, such that it builds upon the existing jawbone height.
- Once the grafts settle down smoothly and everything looks good, the incisions that were earlier made in the gums are stitched back, marking the end of the sinus lift surgery.
- The healing period (which would take around 4 to 9 weeks roughly) begins. During this time, the grafted bone will slowly fuse with the preexisting jawbone, creating a solid and strong foundation for the placement of dental implants.
Conclusion
When upper jawbone loss (and the resulting clashing of the maxillary sinuses with the jawbone) hinders implant placement, a sinus lift comes as a saviour. This procedure helps separate the sinuses from the jawbone to add extra bone tissue to the jaw, ultimately allowing for successful implant placement.
To learn more about sinus lifts or other procedures that may precede implant surgery, schedule a FREE consultation with Bay Area Implant Clinic, a premium dental practice located in Bay Area, California. Have your teeth evaluated by our team of expert implant surgeons and pave your way to a healthy and beautiful smile!