Request a Free Quote
Missing teeth in the lateral upper jaw? And that with little bone? The sinus lift is the common procedure for creating sufficient bone stock in the maxillary sinus.
If the teeth in the posterior region of the upper jaw have been lost, bone resorption begins immediately, leading to a reduction in the height of the remaining bone. In the case of severely advanced bone loss, often only a thin bone lamella remains as a separation between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus. Raising the floor of the maxillary sinus (so-called sinus lift) makes it possible to create sufficient bone stock. The space in the maxillary sinus is reduced somewhat in order to create a new, bony bed for anchoring implants. This requires healthy conditions in the maxillary sinus. Using three-dimensional X-ray technology (so-called digital volume tomography), the requirements for this procedure can be determined in advance. If in doubt, an ENT medical examination should be carried out in advance.
The surgical procedure
In principle there are two different methods. The procedure depends on the available residual bone. The aim of both procedures is to raise the floor of the maxillary sinus in connection with bone augmentation. The mucous membrane that lines the bony maxillary sinus is gently detached from the bone. The space can then be filled with a bone graft material and/or the body’s own bone. If possible, the implants are inserted in a sinus lift procedure. With this so-called one-step procedure, the implants can be placed during bone formation. The time for using the implants then depends on the remaining bone supply and can vary between 4 and 6 months.
In the case of large bone defects or excessively limited bone height, the dental implants are only placed after a longer healing phase (5-9 months). This procedure is called a two-stage sinus lift. In addition, the implants placed during the second intervention then require another healing phase of approx. 3-6 months before they can be loaded.
Postoperative behavior after a sinus lift operation:
In addition to observing the behavior after dental implantation, when proceeding with the sinus lift surgery, you should:
- Absolutely avoid pressure on the maxillary sinus for 4-6 weeks after the procedure!
(e.g.: blowing your nose, sneezing, heavy lifting, diving, long-distance travel by plane) - Smoking should be avoided for at least 7-10 days
- Avoid excessive pressure on the wound with removable dentures.
- Observe the intake of the prescribed medication.
Avoid colds as much as possible.
Please note that the sinus lift operation is a more complex procedure than an implantation in sufficient bone.
More severe swelling and/or bruising (hematoma) may occur in the days after the operation. These can be significantly reduced by good cooling and observing the rules of conduct.
