A sinus lift is a dental procedure that increases the bone volume in the upper jaw, especially in the premolar and molar area. By lifting the sinus membrane and adding bone graft material in the space, there is production of sufficient bone height and thickness for dental implants.
Dentists may recommend a sinus lift if you have 3-5mm of bone height in the back of the jaw. However, there are other reasons for this surgical procedure as well. There is a recommendation of a sinus lift if your sinuses are too close to the jaw or you have a short jawbone height.
Types of Sinus Lifts
There are two types of sinus lifts:
Internal Sinus Lift (Crestal/Osteotome)
This process involves drilling the bone all the way to the surface of the maxillary sinus by inserting bone graft material through the hole. All of this is to be done without breaking the bone. You could likely feel less pain since it is only lifted within 1-3mm.
This method is less invasive and could be more suitable for smaller bone augmentations. There is lifting of the sinus membrane with a special instrument known as an osteotome.
External Sinus Lift (Lateral Window)
This is different from the internal sinus lift, as an incision is made from inside the oral cavity. This is done to introduce the graft material inside the jawbone. This technique reduces the risk of rupturing the sinus membrane and creates a solid base for the implant’s placement.
There is a creation of a small window in the jawbone, usually on the cheek side, to access the sinus cavity. This method allows for the addition of more bone grafting material and is suitable for larger bone augmentations.
Recovery Process
A sinus lift procedure helps regain the lost bone height at the back of the upper jaw. It is a significant procedure that takes adequate time to heal. This is because of the two post-surgical wounds: the recipient site and the donor site. Here are a few things you should avoid during the healing period:
- Blowing your nose or sneeze-holding
- Sneezing with the mouth open
- Drinking with a straw
- Spitting
- Scuba diving
- Flying in pressurized aircraft
- Bearing down, such as when lifting heavy objects, or any other activity that increases nasal or oral pressure
- Smoking
After a sinus lift, one should not rinse or spit on the day of the surgery because it disturbs the blood clot and opens the wound. This can cause prolonged bleeding and slow down the healing process. You can clean your mouth a couple of days after the surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
Start with a saltwater rinse the day after the procedure, and gently rinse with portions of the solution. You should not brush your teeth in the area of surgery for at least 48 hours. When you brush the other teeth, be very gentle. There might be a prescription for an antibiotic rinse after certain procedures.
To Sum It Up
It is important to get a sinus lift if you do not have adequate space in your jawbone for a dental implant. Knowing about the types and recovery process can make you feel at ease while you’re getting the procedure.
Contact Nimmi Shine Dental of San Diego to get a free implant consultation. You can call us anytime at (858) 999-8550 and schedule your appointment.
