Maxillary sinus lift: what does it consist of?

sinus lift for implant


Maxillary sinus elevation is a surgical technique in dental implantology in patients who lack bone mass in the upper arch. What it is about is increasing the amount of bone available, with the aim that dental implants hold better. In this way, the technique enables the replacement of dental pieces in the posterior area of ​​the upper jaw.

What are the maxillary sinuses?

The maxillary sinus is a cavity in the upper maxillary area integrated into the paranasal sinuses. The cavity that makes up the maxillary sinus is covered inside by mucosa. Among the functions of the maxillary sinus are thermal protection, resonance function and ventilation.

 The presence of maxillary sinuses makes placing implants in the maxilla difficult.

 Where are they located?

As we see in the image, the maxillary sinuses are cavities that make up the nasal sinuses of the face. They are large cavities and have a pyramidal shape; they are located on each side of the nostrils, behind the canine and the premolar.

Location of the paranasal sinuses

 Why do I need a sinus lift? 

Sinus elevation is performed only in patients with a lack of bone. Unfortunately, when we lose a tooth, the bone that supports it atrophies and loses volume. In addition, the maxillary sinus increases in size, leaving even more bone available in the posterior area of ​​the upper jaw. A sinus lift for implant is a bone graft technique that is performed in the area of ​​the upper molars. This allows to vertically increase the amount of bone the patient will need to have a good hold on their implants.

Performing a CBCT scan is very important to see both the bone that makes up the walls of the maxillary sinus and the thickness of the membrane and where we will have to perform the intervention. Thanks to this diagnostic imaging, the success of the sinus lift is considerably increased.

 How is a sinus lift performed?

All maxillary sinus lift techniques are carried out under local anesthesia. However, if the patient wishes, we can do it with conscious sedation. The operation will be painless in both cases, and the patient will not need any special preoperative period.

 Types of sinus lift: open and closed

Several surgical techniques can be used in the maxillary sinus lift intervention. Mainly the chosen technique will depend on the available bone.

Open sinus lift

It is performed when the distance from the base of the bone crest to the sinus floor is less than 5mm, which does not allow implant placement. It is carried out through the lateral wall of the sinus, creating an access window through which the bone is inserted.

 Scheme of the open sinus lift

 We carefully elevate the Schneider membrane so as not to damage it and thus be able to create the necessary space to add the lyophilized bone between the membrane and the sinus floor. This bone graft is used to create your bone, which will be achieved after 6 or 7 months.

Closed or atraumatic sinus lift

It is done when little bone is missing, and we have at least 6mm. Then, it is performed through the bed left by the implant preparation. In this way, the dentist uses a surgical instrument called an osteotome to elevate Schneider's membrane and fill the opening with freeze-dried bone.

 If a certain amount of bone is available, it is better to perform atraumatic sinus lifts.

Postoperative and recovery time

The postoperative period of a sinus lift does not have to be painful, although it can cause inflammation or a bruise in the operated area. The inflammation can peak up to 48 hours after the intervention, although these symptoms will disappear between 7 and 10 days after the intervention.

Book your appointment with dentist in Arlington VA to operate under our specialists and experts who can care for your dental implant operation.

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