A sinus lift surgery refers to the augmentation or lifting up of the maxillary sinus to make more room for new bone. Dental implants are a dental procedure that allows patients to get realistic implanted teeth that function like real teeth. 

However, the success of a dental implant procedure depends upon the mass and quality of the jawbone. Sometimes, the upper jaw lacks the bone mass to place dental implants.

This area is tricky because it is very close to the sinus. Many factors can cause bone loss in the upper jaw and thus make it unfit for dental implants.

One of the most common ways to deal with this problem is by raising the sinus floor and making space for the bone to grow where dental implants can be placed. This is called sinus lift surgery.

What is a Sinus Lift Surgery?

In a sinus lift surgery, an oral surgeon adds bone to your upper jaw where the back teeth are supported. This is the area where the molars and premolars are. This process is also termed as sinus augmentation. The main part of the surgery is where the surgeon “lifts” the sinus membrane to create space. Bone is added in the area between your jaw and maxillary sinuses. It is suggested to get this procedure done by an experienced surgeon.

Why do I need a Sinus Lift?

Here are a few reasons why you may need a sinus lift

• Insufficient bone in the upper jaw 
• Sinuses are in close proximity to the jaw 
• There is little space for dental implants

Why do such conditions occur in some patients?

It is common for some people to not have some upper teeth. When the upper jaw does not have molars, the bone mass decreases and it is difficult to place implants. The only way to place implants in the upper jaw in such scenarios is to add more bone to the jaw.

In some patients, the cause of bone loss is bone, gum, or periodontal disease.

However, in most cases, long-term loss of teeth causes major bone loss because the body utilizes the bone where there are no teeth. This is the leading cause of bone loss in the jaw.

Some people may have genetic conditions where their maxillary sinuses are in close proximity to the location where the implants need to be put.

How Is a Sinus Lift Surgery Done?

If you are considering getting a sinus lift surgery, it is natural for you to want information about what to expect during the surgery.

Well-informed patients are better prepared and also confident regarding the procedure.

Here is the process of sinus lift surgery

Generally, you will be briefed one day before the surgery. Your oral surgeon will call you to the clinic and explain the procedure to you and clear your doubts. You will be given time to ask any questions related to the procedure.

On the following day, the surgery will be performed. Your oral surgeon will make a cut along the gum line where your back teeth were.

After this, the tissue is raised and the bone is exposed. Now, the surgeon will use specific tools to make a small round window into the bone. There is a membrane which is on the other side of this round hole. It separates your sinus from your jaw.

This membrane is lightly pushed up from the jaw so that it is not in the way of the jaw bone.

Now, small granules of bone graft material will be placed into the sinus cavity space where the sinus was previously. Generally, a few millimeters of the bone material is added since it enables bone growth in the space which is created by lifting the sinus.

After this is done, the surgeon will close the incision and stitch it up. It may take between four to nine months for your jaw to become fit for getting dental implants. In this period, your jawbone will integrate with the bone graft material. After your jawbone has sufficient bone mass and quality, dental implants will be placed.

This was the procedure of sinus lift surgery. You should get it done by an experienced oral surgeon. You can get your sinus lift surgery in Morgan hill at our clinic.

How long does a Sinus Lift Surgery take?

The sinus lift process is a surgical procedure that may take more or less time according to the case. If the case is more complex, it may take more time. However, the average time taken for this surgery ranges between one to two hours.

How safe is Sinus Lift Surgery?

This surgical procedure is considered to be safe. The technique used for sinus lift surgery is considered to be very accurate and therefore any complications are extremely rare. However, you should get this done by a very skilled and experienced oral surgeon. Overall, this is quite safe. You can talk about sinus lift surgery in Morgan hill by contacting our clinic.

What is the cost of Sinus Lift Surgery?

The cost of sinus lift surgery depends upon your specific case. There are a lot of factors involved in the process which may change the cost.

Your dentist is the best person who can give you an idea about the cost of getting a sinus lift.

If you take a look at some of the common factors which decide the cost of sinus lift surgery, the main thing is the complexity of the procedure. If your sinus lift procedure needs extensive work, the cost will be higher. Moreover, the location of the clinic and the experience of the dentist also make a great difference.

You should check with our clinic to find out the actual cost of sinus lift surgery according to your case and medical history.

Sinus Lift vs Bone Graft

Both sinus lift and bone graft are surgical procedures that are done to make dental implants possible. A sinus lift is a type of bone grafting procedure.

While a sinus lift is done only on the upper jaw, a bone graft procedure can be done in different areas of the jaw according to the need of the procedure and the expected results.

If you want to get more information about sinus lift procedures, you can reach out to us at Morgan Hill Dentistry.

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