Sinus lift is a surgical procedure performed in cases where insufficient bone height in the upper jaw prevents the placement of dental implants. This procedure is performed to provide sufficient bone volume by adding new bone tissue to the lower part of the sinus cavity in the upper jaw. A sinus lift is usually performed for patients with missing teeth in the upper jaw and enables the successful placement of dental implants. This procedure is often necessary as a result of conditions such as periodontal disease, tooth loss or osteoporosis.

Sinus Lift Treatment Process

Sinus lift treatment usually involves a series of steps and covers the following stages:

  1. Preliminary Assessment and Planning: The treatment process begins with a detailed mouth and jaw x-ray. At this stage, the condition of the sinus cavity and the existing bone structure are evaluated. In addition, the patient’s general health status and suitability for treatment are determined.
  2. Surgical Procedure: The sinus lift procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. The dentist makes a small incision in the gum, elevates the sinus membrane (mucosa) and places a bone graft (artificial or autograft) underneath. This bone graft is added under the sinus cavity and increases the bone volume in this area, making it suitable for implant placement.
  3. Healing Process: After the sinus lift procedure, it may be necessary to wait a few months for the graft to settle and heal. During this time, the bone graft is absorbed by the body and transforms into natural bone tissue. The healing process usually takes 4-6 months, but this may vary depending on personal health and treatment.
  4. Implant Placement: Once the bone has healed, dental implants can be placed. This is usually done a few months after the sinus lift treatment. The implants are placed in the bone and dental prostheses are attached to them.

Advantages of Sinus Lift Treatment

Sinus lift treatment has many advantages. These advantages can increase the positive results of the treatment:

  • Providing Sufficient Bone Volume: The sinus lift provides sufficient bone volume for the placement of dental implants, thus enabling successful implant placement.
  • Restoring Dental Function: A successful sinus lift treatment enables the replacement of missing teeth with intact dental implants, thus restoring chewing and speech functions.
  • Aesthetic Improvement: Implants look similar to natural teeth and provide aesthetically satisfying results.

Possible Risks and Complications

Sinus lift treatment may have some risks and complications. These may include the following:

  • Risk of Infection: There is a risk of infection during surgical procedures. This risk can be minimized with appropriate sterilization and post-treatment care.
  • Bone Graft Rejection: In rare cases, the implanted bone graft may not be adequately accepted by the body. In this case, additional treatment may be required.
  • Sinus Problems Sinus problems may occur in some patients after the sinus lift procedure. This condition is usually short-term and can be controlled with treatment.

Care After Sinus Lift Treatment

After sinus lift treatment, there are some important rules of care that should be observed to support the healing process. Firstly, to support the healing of the surgical site, it is important that patients take the prescribed medications regularly. Antibiotics and painkillers are prescribed to reduce the risk of infection and keep pain under control. In addition, care should be taken to clean the area after treatment. The dentist will give you specific instructions on how to maintain oral hygiene. Avoiding hard and spicy foods will make the healing process more comfortable. Also, patients who smoke are advised to quit or reduce smoking, as smoking can negatively affect the healing process.

Alternatives to Sinus Lift Treatment

Although sinus lift treatment is an effective method to provide adequate bone volume, it may not be the only option for every patient. There are some alternative approaches. For example, bone augmentation procedures can expand existing bone tissue to create the space needed for implant placement. Another alternative is zygomatic implants. In cases where there is insufficient bone in the upper jaw, these implants are placed in the cheekbone, providing support beyond the sinus cavity. Both options can be considered instead of or in combination with sinus lift treatment and the most appropriate method is chosen according to the patient’s specific situation.

Long Term Success Rate of Sinus Lift Treatment

The long-term success rate of sinus lift treatment depends on proper planning, implementation and proper management of the healing process. Research shows that sinus lift procedures generally have high success rates. To ensure the longevity of the implants, patients should keep regular dental check-ups and pay attention to oral hygiene. In addition, periodic post-treatment check-ups allow us to detect possible complications at an early stage and take the necessary precautions. The success rate is usually over 90 percent, and this rate can be even higher if patients comply with the treatment and pay attention to the rules of care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sinus Lift

Check out our frequently asked questions.

What is sinus lift?

A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that adds bone under the sinus cavity in the area where the roots of the upper jaw teeth are located, especially in the posterior maxilla.
This procedure aims to provide sufficient bone volume for the placement of dental implants.
A sinus lift is usually required for implants to be placed very close to the sinus cavity.

Why is sinus lift performed?

A sinus lift is performed when there is not enough bone height in the upper jaw due to a lack of teeth.
The enlargement of the sinus cavity and bone loss can prevent the successful placement of dental implants.
A sinus lift procedure increases bone volume to ensure a secure placement of the implants and restores dental aesthetics and function.

How is sinus lift performed?

A sinus lift is usually performed under local anesthesia.
The dentist reaches the lower part of the sinus cavity by opening the gums and the sinus membrane (mucosa) is carefully removed.
A bone graft is then placed into the sinus cavity.
This bone graft can usually be made of synthetic materials, autologous bone or donor bone.
After the procedure, the gums are closed and the healing process begins.

How does the healing process work after sinus lift?

The healing process after sinus lift can usually take a few weeks.
There may be mild swelling, discomfort and slight bleeding after the procedure.
During the healing process, it is important to use the medications recommended by your dentist, pay attention to regular oral hygiene and attend follow-up appointments.
It may take several months for the bone graft to heal and the bone volume to become sufficient, at the end of which time the implants can be placed.

What are the risks of sinus lift?

Sinus lifts are generally safe, but there can be some risks and complications.
These include infection, bleeding, perforation of the sinus membrane, displacement of the graft material or poor bone healing.
To minimize these risks, it is important that it is performed by an experienced dentist and that postoperative instructions are followed.