When do we need sinus lift surgery? For whom is it necessary?

- Bahman 20, 1403 - Sinus surgery -

When do we need sinus lift surgery? For whom is it necessary? The sinuses are air cavities located in the facial bones and play an important role in keeping the skull light and producing mucus. In some cases, resorption of the maxillary bone causes the sinuses to move closer to the oral cavity. This situation can prevent implant placement in this area. Sinus lift surgery provides the possibility of implant implantation by creating a distance between the sinus and the oral cavity and increasing the bone volume. In the following, we will examine the reasons for the need for sinus lift surgery, the appropriate time for treatment, and the steps to perform this surgery. ### What is a sinus lift? One of the most important challenges in dental implant implantation is the lack of sufficient bone in the upper jaw. In such situations, dentists resort to a method called sinus lift. **Sinus lift** is a dental surgery that is performed to increase the height and thickness of the upper jaw bone. When the jawbone is weakened due to the loss of teeth, the maxillary sinuses (air cavities in the upper jawbone) move downward, leaving less space for implants. In lift surgery, by making a small incision in the gum, the sinus membrane is lifted up and a space is created for placing the bone graft material. Over time, these materials fuse with the natural jaw bone and increase its height. ### The cause of bone deficiency in the sinus area Bone deficiency in the sinus area can occur for various reasons. Gum diseases such as periodontitis cause damage and bone loss. Also, when a tooth is missing for a long time, the underlying bone gradually decreases. Some people have weaker jawbones due to genetic reasons, which can make bone deficiency more likely. In addition, trauma to the jaw or previous surgeries may also lead to the loss of part of the bone. ### When do we need sinus lift surgery? It is a treatment method in which, by making a small incision in the gum, the sinus membrane is slowly lifted and a space is created for placing the bone graft material. These transplant materials gradually fuse with the natural jaw bone and increase its height. In this way, a suitable space for implanting dental implants is created. Why do we need sinus lift surgery? #### Successful implant placement In order for the dental implant to be well fixed in place and have a long-term function, a bone with sufficient height and thickness is needed. This allows the implant to be permanently placed in your jaw. #### Complete replacement of missing teeth Using a sinus lift and implant placement, you can completely replace your missing teeth and achieve a beautiful and natural smile. #### Improving the quality of life Dental implants not only look natural, but also function like natural teeth. With implants, you can chew, talk and smile easily. #### Prevent further bone loss Another advantage is to prevent further erosion of the jaw bone. This helps to maintain the health of the mouth and the remaining teeth. ### Who needs sinus lift surgery? - **People whose upper jaw bone is not thick enough**: If your jaw bone has weakened due to various reasons such as gum disease, infection, or natural bone loss, you will need this treatment. - **Persons who have lost maxillary back teeth**: People who have lost their molars or molars for a long time may have significant bone loss in the sinus area. **People whose sinuses are close to the upper jaw**: In some people, the sinuses are naturally closer to the upper jaw and there is less space for implant placement. ### When is the right time for sinus lift? The appropriate time for sinus lift depends on various factors and is determined by a specialist dentist. In general, a sinus lift is performed when the maxillary bone is insufficient for dental implant placement. If the loss of the jaw bone is such that it is not possible to directly implant the implant, surgery is performed before the implant is implanted. In some cases, sinus lift and implant placement can be done at the same time. This procedure is known as a closed sinus lift and is performed when the amount of bone resorption is low. But in most cases, due to the need to repair and fuse the transplanted bone, it is better to lift the sinus a few months before the implant. The exact duration of recovery depends on various factors such as the type of graft material used, the amount of bone loss and the general condition of the patient. Your dentist will determine the best time to perform this surgery according to your condition. You can go to Dr. Roshan Talab's **Implant Clinic** and perform the best treatment process according to your jawbone. ### Types of sinus lift surgery As you know, sinus lift surgery is performed to increase the height and thickness of the upper jaw bone so that a dental implant can be implanted in it. This surgery has two main methods: #### Open Sinus Lift surgery This method is more common and most dentists use it. In this procedure, the dentist makes an incision on the gum to access the jawbone. Then, a hole is made in the bone and the bone graft material enters the sinus cavity through this hole. After performing this surgery, it is necessary to wait a few months for the transplanted bone to fuse with the jaw bone and then the implant is implanted. - **Advantages**: Due to the larger incision, access to the sinus is better and a larger volume of transplant material can be used. - **Disadvantages**: It has a longer recovery period, more swelling and bruising, and more pain than the closed method. #### Closed Sinus Lift surgery In this method, the dentist does not need to make a large incision on the gum. Using special tools, he lifts the sinus membrane through the hole created for the implant and inserts the graft material into the cavity. Sometimes, the implant can be implanted immediately after the closed sinus lift. - **Advantages:** Shorter recovery period, less invasive, and less likely to cause side effects such as swelling and bruising. - **Disadvantages**: The need for more skill and experience of the dentist, suitable for cases with low bone loss. > What is the difference between a sinus lift and a bone graft? > > But don't both of these methods include bone graft surgery? So what is the difference between a sinus lift and a bone graft? ### Sinus lift surgery is necessary for which people? A variety of reasons can cause a lack of bone in the upper jaw, including: - **Gum diseases**: diseases such as periodontitis that cause gum and bone loss. - **Loss of a tooth**: When a tooth is missing for a long time, the bone underneath it slowly degenerates. - **Genetic factors**: Some people naturally have weaker jawbones. - **Injuries and trauma**: trauma to the jaw or previous surgeries can cause bone loss. - Some diseases: such as cancer, which can cause bone loss. According to experts, if the height of the jaw bone in the back is less than 4 to 6 mm, the necessity of sinus lift is felt for implant implantation. Because this surgery allows the dentist to create a space for implant placement and strengthen the bone. > Care after sinus lift surgery > > What are the cares after sinus lift surgery? ### Procedures for sinus lift surgery As we mentioned earlier, in this surgery, by creating a space in the jawbone, the conditions for implant placement are provided. In the following, we will examine its steps. - Anesthesia or anesthesia: Before the surgery, the dentist numbs the desired area or uses general anesthesia so that the patient does not feel any pain. - **Making an incision:** The dentist makes a small incision on the gum in the area of ​​the molars to access the jawbone. - **Lifting the sinus membrane:** After making the incision, the dentist uses special tools to slowly lift the thin membrane that covers the sinus to create a space for placing the graft material. **Filling the cavity with graft material**: After creating the space, the created cavity is filled with bone graft material. These materials can be prepared from the patient's own bone, donor bone or synthetic material. - **Closing the cut:** In the last step, the dentist closes the cut on the gum with stitches. The sinus lift recovery period is usually short and the patient can return to their daily activities after a few days. #### When can't sinus lift and implant placement be done at the same time? The implantation of the implant can be done during the sinus lift operation or it can be installed in a separate procedure 3 to 6 months after the surgery. This choice is determined by the amount of bone lost, the surgical technique, the length of the area to be involved, the number of implants and their length and diameter. In general, if the height of the patient's bone in the sinus area is less than 4 mm, it is necessary to wait for the bone powder to turn into bone tissue before placing the implants. Approximately 6 months after the operation, the bone tissue is hard enough and the implant can be installed. But if there is more than 4 mm of bone in the area where the operation is performed, it is possible to place implants at the same time as dental sinus surgery. > Simultaneous sinus lift and implant surgery ###