Duration
1 Day
Cost
200$
Additional Services
- Annual Check-Up
- Local Anesthesia
- Free Panorama X-ray
- Private Language Assistance
Table of Contents
A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation or sinus floor elevation, is usually part of a large treatment plan to restore functionality and aesthetics to the patient. During the sinus lift procedure, the sinus membrane is lifted upward, and donor bone is inserted into the floor of the sinus, creating more bone height in the upper jaw. In this article, we will explain when it’s needed, the procedure, Recovery, and Cost in Turkey
What Is A Sinus Lift Surgery
The maxillary sinuses are empty, air-filled spaces located above the upper teeth on both sides of the nose. Some of the roots of the natural upper teeth extend into the maxillary sinus. When these upper teeth are removed, only a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus from the mouth remains, and it’s impossible to place an implant in this bone since Dental implants need bone density to hold them in place.
To solve this problem, the sinus lift procedure is performed. It’s an advanced procedure that has revolutionized the field of implant dentistry. This procedure is designed to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw when there is insufficient bone height to support dental implants. It also restores some of the natural contours of the face.
Why Would You Need A Sinus Lift?
There are several reasons why you might need a sinus lift procedure.
- When you lose a tooth, the underlying bone begins to resorb because the forces of chewing no longer stimulate it. Over time, this leads to significant bone loss in the upper jaw.
- If the patient is born with a naturally low sinus floor, they will have less bone between the upper jaw and the sinus cavity, making it challenging to place implants without augmenting the bone.
- If the patient loses their teeth due to gum disease, they may not have enough bone left for implant placement.
- With age, our maxillary sinuses become larger, reducing the amount of bone in the upper jaw.
- Injury or trauma to the face or jaw can lead to bone loss, which may require augmentation before implant placement.
Sinus Lift Benefits
There are 3 main benefits of the sinus lift procedure. Let’s discuss them:
- As mentioned above, the main reason for performing a sinus lift procedure is to create adequate bone height for dental implant placement. So what’s the benefit of that?
- Providing adequate bone volume means better support and stability of the implant. So, a sinus lift procedure improves the success rate of dental implants. And with proper care, it can last a lifetime.
- With more bone height, the dentist can place longer implants, which provide better support for the prosthetic tooth.
- This procedure allows the dentist to position the implant in the ideal place for both function and aesthetics.
- As the sinus lift procedure restores bone in the upper jaw, it can help maintain facial structure and prevent further bone loss.
- This procedure helps maintain and improve facial aesthetics by providing support to the cheeks and lips.
What Are the Types of Sinus Lifts?
The choice of technique depends on various factors, including the amount of existing bone, the number of implants needed, and the overall health of the patient.
There are two main types of sinus lift procedures. Your dentist or oral surgeon will assess your case and recommend the most appropriate technique for your needs.
- Lateral Window Technique (Traditional Sinus Lift)
It is the most common and traditional type of sinus lift procedure. It’s usually used when there is severe bone loss and a significant amount of bone augmentation is needed. - Crestal Approach or Osteotome Technique
It is a less invasive technique used when only a small amount of bone height needs to be augmented. It is usually performed at the same time as implant placement.
What Is a Sinus Lift Procedure
Before The Sinus Lift Procedure
- Before starting the procedure, your doctor will make sure you are prepared for the surgery. You will undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure. Your dentist will order imaging tests like CT scans or CBCT scans to assess the anatomy of your jaw and maxillary sinus. Also, they may ask you to stop taking certain medications that could interfere with healing. Medication such as
- Asprin
- Blood Thinners and Anticoagulants, such as warfarin and heparin, can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
- Bisphosphonates such as risedronate (Actonel), alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), zoledronic acid (Reclast), and pamidronate (Aredia) are used to treat and prevent osteoporosis and bone thinning as a treatment for certain conditions of postmenopausal women, osteoporosis in men, and malignancies
- If you are diabetic, hypertensive, or have hypo/hyperthyroid, you should head back to your medical healthcare and follow their instructions regarding the medication dosages.
- A few weeks before the surgery, it’s best to stop any bad habits like smoking, as it can significantly impair healing. Additionally, if you choose to receive sedation during the procedure, you may need to fast for a certain period before the surgery.
During The Sinus Lift Procedure.
- The goal of the sinus lift procedure is to successfully place bone graft material between the sinus membrane and the floor of the sinus. The method of accessing the sinus depends on the technique being used.
- Usually, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, but in some cases, sedation might be used according to the patient’s choice to ensure they are comfortable during the procedure.
- The Surgery starts with cleaning the surgical area and sterilizing it. To access the sinus:
In the case of the traditional lateral window technique (External Sinus Lift)
It is quite an Invasive and direct procedure used in cases of less than 4mm bone height. An incision is made in the gum tissue where your back teeth used to be.
The tissue is elevated to expose the bone underneath. A small oval window on the lateral bone of the maxilla is cut using special surgical burs.
Once the bony window is created, the delicate membrane (Schneiderian membrane) lining the sinus cavity is visible and gently elevated away from the bone of the maxilla.
Then the bone graft material is condensed between the elevated sinus membrane and bone and properly placed in the space of newly formed bone.
Finally, a membrane is placed on the lateral opening of the condensed bone graft and covered by the sutured gum tissue, which closes the site of the incision.
In the case of the osteotome technique (Internal Sinus Lift)
It is indirect and less invasive, but only indicated in cases where the patient has at least 6mm of bone height below the maxillary sinus. The incision is replaced with a small hole made in the bone where the implant will go.
This technique is usually performed at the same time as the implant placement, and doesn’t need a large incision.
The main assistance here is the osteotome instrument, which is a smooth, straight instrument with a concave tip. Used to push the sinus membrane under controlled force to elevate the floor of the sinus and its attached membrane through the hole.The concave tip aids in condensing the existing bone and creating a hydraulic pressure effect that assists in the elevation of the sinus membrane.The bone graft material can often be added through the osteotomy site to further support the elevated sinus floor.Because of the limited osteotomy site, which is Internal access through the implant site, bone elevation using this technique is limited to 4mm only.
- The surgeon will then elevate the sinus membrane. It is a very delicate part of the procedure. The membrane is carefully separated from the bony floor of the sinus and then gently pushed away from the jaw. Great care must be taken not to tear the membrane.
- Then, the bone graft material is placed in the space created beneath the lifted membrane. This material can be your own bone, donor bone, or synthetic material. The amount of graft material used depends on how much bone height needs to be created.
- Now it’s time to close the surgical site. The tissue is repositioned over the window in the bone, and the incision is closed with stitches. Your dentist may place a protective covering (Dental Membrane) over the surgical site.
- After the surgery, your surgeon will give you Sinus Lift recovery instructions. You must carefully follow these instructions to ensure the best possible outcome. He will also prescribe medications to manage pain and prevent infection. It is very important to schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
Alternative To Sinus Lift Surgery
For those patients who are not candidates for the sinus lift procedure and don’t have sufficient bone height in the upper jaw, there are alternatives that can replace the need for a sinus lift procedure.
Usually, after a consultation with your dentist, he will assess your case and determine your specific needs, as the suitability of any of these alternatives depends on your individual case, including the amount of bone loss, the number of teeth being replaced, and your overall health. Your dentist will determine the best option for you.
All-on-Four Technique
In the All-On-4 Dental Implants technique, four implants are used to support a full arch of teeth. The back implants are usually tilted to avoid the sinus cavity. In this case, there is no need for a sinus lift.
Removable Dentures
It’s not considered a direct alternative to implants, but dentures can provide a tooth replacement option without surgery. Usually, they are less expensive, but they are less stable than implants and can also affect speech and eating.
Bridge supported by natural teeth:
If you have healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap, a dental bridge can be a suitable option for replacing the missing teeth.
Short or Mini Dental Implants
Dentists may use short dental implants, which are specifically designed for use in areas with limited bone height. They can often be placed without the need for a sinus lift.
Zygomatic Implants
In this technique, long implants are placed in the cheekbone (zygomatic bone). It is used in cases of severe bone loss in the upper jaw to avoid the need for bone grafting. However, it is a complex procedure and not widely available.
How Much Does A Sinus Lift Cost at Our Clinic?
At our clinic, we guarantee high-quality care at affordable prices. The sinus lift procedure usually starts at just $350. In comparison, the cost of the same procedure in the UK ranges from $1,500 to $3,000, while in the United States, it can vary from $2,000 to $5,000. This makes Sauve Clinic an attractive choice for patients looking for dental tourism, as they can combine their treatment with a visit to Istanbul’s historical landmarks and beautiful sites.
Sinus Lift FAQs
How Long Does A Sinus Lift Last?
- The sinus lift procedure is considered a lifetime procedure, as the bone graft material used in this procedure is gradually replaced by your own bone, and after fully integrating, the new bone becomes a permanent part of your jaw structure. It’s very important to have regular dental check-ups to ensure the long-term success of the procedure.
What Happens If I Sneeze After Sinus Lift Surgery?
Sneezing after a sinus lift procedure can be concerning, but it’s not generally harmful if you take precautions. Try to open your mouth during sneezing to reduce the pressure in the sinus, and avoid blowing your nose for at least two weeks after surgery. During sneezing, make sure to do it gently. If you experience pain or feel that something has shifted after sneezing, you should contact your surgeon immediately.
What Happens If You Don't Get A Sinus Lift?
If you don’t get a sinus lift procedure and you need it, several issues can occur. For example, without sufficient bone height, you will not be able to have dental implants. Also, If you have significant bone loss, that can lead to changes in facial appearance.
Will My Face Change After A Sinus Lift?
The Sinus Lift Procedure doesn’t cause any changes to your official appearance. In fact, by having this procedure, you are preserving your upper jaw, which can help maintain your facial structure. Any swelling immediately after the procedure is usually temporary and should resolve within a few days to weeks.
Does A Sinus Lift Affect Your Sinuses?
The sinus lift procedure shouldn’t negatively affect sinus function in the long term. Some patients may experience temporary congestion or stuffiness after the procedure, but this is usually normal and resolves as healing progresses.