Complete Guide to the Sinus Lift Procedure: Indications, Steps & Healing Time

A sinus lift procedure is basically a small surgical procedure to increase the bone volume in upper jaw bone.

Why is a sinus lift needed?

A sinus lift is recommended when placing dental implants in posterior part of upper jaw with insufficient bone volume.

When teeth are lost, bone has a tendency to shrink both in height and width. The posterior part of upper jaw bone houses air filled cavities called as maxillary sinuses. They have a balloon like schneiderian membrane which expands and contracts every time we inhale or exhale air (breathing). The pressure from this expanding membrane further increases the rate of resorption of bone in an area where there are no teeth.

So when teeth replacement by dental implants are planned, the amount of available bone in this area may be less than what is needed. So with a sinus lift surgery sufficient bone is made available.

What exactly is done in a sinus lift surgery?

The procedure basically aims to increase the bone volume in upper jaw bone. This is accomplished by raising the sinus membrane and packing the area with bone grafts or PRF(Platelet rich fibrin).

There are basically two techniques with which this is accomplished. The first one is called as a Closed Sinus lift in which a 2mm hole is made in the floor of the sinus with special drills and instruments. Through this hole an instrument is inserted in the sinus cavity to raise the sinus membrane just like a pole is used to support the tent. Through this hole, the artificial bone of PRF is slowly inserted into the sinus. The procedure is usually combined with immediate implant placement.

In the second technique, a lateral window is cut into the maxillary sinus cavity and under direct vision the the sinus membrane is raised using sinus lift curettes and bone grafts packed in the base of the sinus. The lateral window is then covered with a membrane and the gum flap is placed back in position and stitched. Implants may be placed simultaneously or may be delayed as per the decision of the operating surgeon.

The choice of technique depends on the amount of bone remaining ad hence the amount of grafting needed. Extensive resorbed jaws need more grafts and hence open sinus lift is better.

Post-operative care after Sinus lift surgery

• Some post-operative pain and swelling is normal as with any other surgery. Pain is usually mild and perfectly controlled by prescribed medications.
• Cold compresses are advised for first 24 hours after the procedure.
• An anti-inflammatory nasal drops are prescribed.
• Hard blowing of the nose and using a straw for sipping liquids is completely contraindicated to avoid developing any negative pressure inside the sinus.

Potential Complications of the procedure

• Sinus membrane perforation. There are chances of very minor sinus membrane perforations. These usually need no special care as they heal on their own. The probability of these perforations is very low in the hands of trained surgeons.
• Infection. Like every surgery, Sinus life surgery also carries the risk of infection. It usually presents as pain and swelling in the area. Post-operative antibiotics are prescribed to cover the risk.
• Failure of graft to integrate with the bone. Though very rare, failure of graft to integrate with the bone is a potential risk.

Overall Sinus lift procedure is a highly predictable procedure with success rate of over 99% in experienced hands. This increases the success rate of the implants too.