What is a Sinus Lift and Why is it Important for Dental Implants?

A dental implant needs sufficient bone width and height for anchorage in the bone. However there are many clinical situations where adequate amount of bone might not be available. In such cases, a sinus lift procedure is advised along with dental implant procedure for upper posterior teeth implant.

What is a maxillary sinus?

A sinus is an air filled cavity in a bone. It is located just above the roots of the back teeth of upper jaw. It has a balloon like membrane that lines the inner portion of the sinus cavity. This membrane called as Schneiderian membrane expands and contracts like a balloon every time we inhale/exhale air.

What is a sinus lift?

Sinus lift is of 2 types:-

Closed Sinus Lift

In closed sinus lift a 2mm hole is made in the floor a sinus and the sinus membrane is detached from the sinus floor. Bone grafts are then injected inside the sinus using this 2mm small hole and then an implant is placed inside the cavity. During the course of healing the artificial bone graft gets resorbed and is replaced by natural bone thereby provide support for the dental implant.

Open Sinus Lift

An open sinus lift is a more elaborate surgical procedure where in a small window is cut in bone on the lateral wall of the sinus. It is usually indicated when the amount of bone remaining is negligible and a lot of bone needs to be grafted.

What to expect during and after sinus lift surgery?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is hardly painful.

Post-operatively there might be some pain that is perfectly controllable by the prescribed antibiotics and pain killers.

It takes about a week for the wound to heal.

The patient is instructed not to blow the nose strongly or not to smoke for first few days after surgery.

A nasal decongestant is also advised for 2 weeks.

What is the cost involved?

The cost of a sinus lift surgery may vary depending on whether it is an open or closed sinus lift. Open sinus lift costs around Rs 50,000 to Rs 80,000 per side.

Have questions? Schedule a consultation at Dr. Garg Dental Clinic today.