What is sinus lifting – a sinus lifting operation?
In the posterior region of the upper jaw, there are two anatomical air cavities, right and left, connected to the nasal cavity at the level of the molar roots. These cavities are called the maxillary sinus. The chance of a successful implant treatment decreases in people with high sinus volume or in cases where the bone volume decreased and dissolved over time due to the extraction of the teeth in the posterior region. The bone on which the implant is placed may not remain.
The most important condition for implant treatment is qualitative and sufficient bone thickness.
In these regions where bone thickness and quantity are decreased, bone graft bone powder is used to lift the sinus base, which is called sinus lifting. Thus sufficient bone thickness and volume is created for implant treatment.
How is sinus lifting carried out?
Local anesthesia is applied and bone powder bone graft is placed on the base of the jaw bone and sinus cavity. After the bone powder application, 4-5 months are required for the dust to fuse with natural bone, after which the implant is placed.
In patients with relatively more sufficient bone amount and thickness, the implants can be placed in the same session right after the bone dust graft application.
Is sinus lifting treatment difficult?
Sinus lifting is an easy procedure that is carried out under local anesthesia by a specialist maxillofacial surgeon. This treatment is frequently carried out by our surgeons and has a very high success rate. After the sinus lifting procedure, the bone dust or bone graft procedure is carried out. And depending on the bone thickness and quality it may be possible to do the implant treatment in the same session.
How long after the sinus lifting procedure is the implant placed?
After the bone dust and graft application, we wait 4-5 months for it to fuse with the bone so the bone gets enough thickness and volume for a successful implant treatment. But if the bone volume is sufficient enough, it is possible to do the implant treatment in the same session. The decisions are based on the amount, quality and volume of the bone.
What should be observed after a sinus lifting procedure?
Patients mustn’t eat or drink anything for at least 2 hours, until the numbness wears off.
It is not recommended to take a hot bath during the first day. Hot and grain foods and hot drinks shouldn’t be consumed.
You must take the antibiotics or pain medicine, prescribed by your specialist maxillofacial surgeon.
To avoid swelling and bruising it is recommended to apply cold ice packs.
Smoking is not recommended during the first 2-3 days.
You shouldn’t rinse your mouth or spit after the operation. Avoid strong sneezing or coughing. You should keep your eyes open while sneezing and don’t apply any pressure while cleaning your nose.
After 24 hours you may continue to brush your teeth or gargle with mouthwash.
Does a sinus lifting procedure affect my everyday life?
The procedure is painless. Like in all surgical operations, there might be light swelling in the first few days. You should take the antibiotics and pain killers and other medications prescribed by the specialist maxillofacial surgeon as suggested, apply cold ice packs and don’t smoke. As long as you follow these instructions the healing process will be fast and comfortable. It is important that you follow your dentist’s recommendations carefully after the procedure.