When it comes to dental implant procedures, ensuring a solid foundation is essential for long-term success. In cases where the upper jaw lacks adequate bone height, a sinus lift procedure comes into role. This procedure allows for the placement of dental implants by augmenting the bone and creating a stable environment.
Understanding Sinus Lift:
A sinus lift, also known as a sinus augmentation or sinus elevation, is a dental procedure designed to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw, specifically the posterior maxilla (back part of the upper jaw). The term “sinus lift” refers to the process of lifting the sinus membrane to create space for the bone graft.
Purpose of Sinus Lift:
The primary objective of a sinus lift is to enhance bone density and volume in the upper jaw, primarily in the area of the premolars and molars. This procedure becomes necessary when there is insufficient bone height due to factors like:
- Natural bone resorption: Over time, the bone in the upper jaw may deteriorate or shrink, especially if teeth have been missing for an extended period.
- Tooth loss: The loss of back teeth can lead to bone loss in the posterior maxilla, making dental implant placement challenging.
- Sinus expansion: The size and position of the sinus may enlarge over time, encroaching on the available bone.
By performing a sinus lift, dental professionals can create an adequate foundation for the placement of dental implants, ensuring long-term stability and success.
Sinus augmentation can be achieved by two procedures –direct and indirect. However, the gain in bone height is greater when achieved through direct procedure compared to indirect.
Procedure:
Here’s a general overview of the sinus lift procedure:
- Evaluation: Before the sinus lift, your dentist or oral surgeon will conduct a thorough examination, which may include X-rays or 3D imaging, to assess the condition of your sinuses and jawbone.
- Anesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring your comfort.
- Incision: A small incision is made in the gum tissue near the area where the implant will be placed.
- Lifting the Sinus Membrane: The dentist or oral surgeon carefully lifts the sinus membrane, creating a small space between the membrane and the jawbone.
- Graft Placement: The space created is filled with bone graft material, which can be synthetic, from another part of your body, or from a donor source. This graft material serves as a scaffold, stimulating the growth of new bone.
- Closing the Incision: The incision is sutured, and the healing process begins.
Benefits of Sinus Lift:
- Dental Implant Placement: By increasing the amount of bone in the upper jaw, a sinus lift enables the successful placement of dental implants, providing a stable foundation for artificial teeth.
- Restored Oral Function: Dental implants supported by a sinus lift offer improved chewing ability, speech, and overall oral function.
- Aesthetics and Confidence: Sinus lifts allow for the replacement of missing teeth with natural-looking implants, enhancing your smile and boosting self-confidence.
- Preservation of Facial Structure: The procedure helps prevent the loss of bone volume in the upper jaw, which can occur after tooth loss.
The entire procedure is delicate and needs to be performed with utmost care and precision, in order to avoid any mishaps. Teeth Care Centre® has a team of highly qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and implantologist who are experienced and have performed many sinus lift surgeries in the past. Our cutting-edge technology, latest instruments, and highly researched and renowned brand of bone graft material ensure that the entire surgery is completed safely and seamlessly.
We also provide the facility of conscious sedation for patients facing anxiety and apprehension related to dental surgeries. Conscious sedation relieves treatment-related stress and anxiety and makes the entire dental treatment smooth and pleasant.