Sinus Lift

A sinus lift, sometimes referred to as sinus augmentation or sinus lift surgery, is a bone grafting procedure commonly performed before or simultaneously during dental implant placement.

This procedure is recommended for patients who have experienced bone loss in the upper jaw, in the area where the molars and premolars are located.

Why Is a Sinus Lift Necessary?

When back teeth (molars and premolars) are missing from the upper jaw, the bone in that area begins to shrink or resorb. 

This is because the jawbone needs stimulation from tooth roots to maintain its density and strength. Without this stimulation, the bone becomes thin and unable to support dental implants.

A sinus lift creates additional space between the maxillary sinuses (located above the back upper teeth) and the jaw. This allows for new bone growth in the sinus floor, creating a solid foundation for dental implants.

Anatomy of the Sinus Cavity

The maxillary sinus cavity is an empty, air-filled space located above the upper teeth.

It is lined with a thin membrane called the sinus membrane (also known as the Schneiderian membrane), which separates it from the jaw bone. 

This membrane is lifted, and bone graft material is placed in the space created, increasing the height of the jawbone.

Reasons a Sinus Lift May Be Recommended

There are several reasons why a sinus lift may be necessary before dental implant placement. Some common reasons include:

• Severe bone loss in the upper jaw due to periodontal disease or tooth loss.
• Congenital defects that cause a thin sinus floor.
• The natural shape and size of the maxillary sinuses, which can vary from person to person.
• Previous trauma or injury to the upper jaw.
• The use of dentures, which can accelerate bone loss in the upper jaw over time.
• The maxillary sinus might be too close to the upper jaw, leaving little space for dental implants to be placed without a sinus lift.

The Sinus Lift Procedure

Before a sinus lift procedure is considered, a thorough examination will take place. 

Dr. Barron will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and obtain imaging to assess the current state of your jawbone.

We use CBCT scans to obtain a 3D view of your jawbone and maxillary sinuses. This allows us to accurately measure the height and width of the sinus floor and also to evaluate the health of the sinuses.

Once it has been determined that you require a sinus elevation, the procedure will typically involve these steps:

1. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area. Intravenous sedation options are also available. 
2. An incision is made in the gum tissue where the premolars and molars used to be.
3. A small, circular opening is made in the jawbone, exposing the membrane lining of the sinuses.
4. The membrane is gently lifted, and bone graft material is added into the space created.
5. In most cases, the dental implant(s) are installed at this time. 
6. The incision is closed with stitches, and healing begins. 

Types of Bone Graft Material Used in Sinus Lift Surgery

The type of graft material used will depend on factors such as the amount of bone needed, personal preferences, and budget. 

Some common types include:

• Autogenous:This uses your own bone harvested from another area of the body.
• Allograft: This uses bone from a human donor.
• Xenograft: This uses bone from an animal source, such as a cow or pig.

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

After a sinus lift, it is important to follow all post-operative instructions. Some general guidelines include:

• Avoid blowing your nose for at least two weeks.
• Do not use a straw or smoke for at least the first week after surgery as this can disrupt the healing process.
• Take any prescribed medication as directed, including painkillers and antibiotics.
• Eat a soft diet for the first few days or until instructed otherwise.
• Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that could disrupt the healing process for a minimum of 7 days.
• Maintain good oral hygiene, but be gentle around the surgical site.

Recovery time varies from person to person but typically takes about 4–6 months for the new bone to fully integrate with your natural jawbone. 

It is essential to attend all follow-up appointments, so Dr. Barron can monitor your healing progress and ensure a successful outcome.

PRP and BMP To Accelerate Healing

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) are two techniques that can be used in conjunction with a sinus lift to accelerate healing.

PRP involves drawing a small amount of your blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to isolate the platelets, and then mixing it with the bone graft material. These platelets contain growth factors that help promote healing and tissue regeneration.

Similarly, BMP is a protein that stimulates new bone formation and can be applied directly to the graft material during surgery.

Possible Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with a sinus lift. These may include:

• Tear or puncture of the sinus membrane
• Sinus infection
• Bone graft failure

It is important to discuss these potential risks with your surgeon and follow all post-operative instructions carefully to minimize the chance of complications.

Choose Concord Oral Surgery For Sinus Lift Surgery in Vaughan, ON

We are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care. 

Our skilled and experienced surgeon, state-of-the-art technology, and personalized treatment plans ensure you will receive the best possible outcomes.

Dr. Robert Barron, DMD, is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with extensive training and experience in sinus lift and dental implant surgery. He has been serving the community of Vaughan since 2004.

If you require a sinus lift or are considering dental implants, contact our oral surgery clinic in Vaughan, ON to book an appointment. Call (905) 669-2616 or complete the appointment request form.

Check out our Google Reviews and see what our patients have to say about the treatment they received at our oral surgery office in Vaughan, ON.

FAQs About Sinus Lift Surgery