What Is Sinus Lifting? | Sinus Lifting
The sinuses are cavities located just above the molars. They play a role in reducing the weight of the skull, heating the breathing air and sound formation.
However, in some patients, they may sag in the areas where implants will be placed due to genetic or toothlessness. In these cases, the sinus floor can be raised by various methods and implant operation can be performed in this area.
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Is Sinus Lifting Painful?
With new techniques, sinus lifting operations performed in a closed way with minimal pain and swelling are observed.
Is Bone Graft Used in Sinus Lifting Procedure?
In some patients, it is necessary to perform various bone graft applications after the sinus floor is lifted. It may be necessary to use bone graft in the sinus lifting procedure, especially in cases of prolonged edentulism due to severe bone loss.
This may prolong both the cost and duration of the procedure.
Treatment Summary
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Immediately after tooth extraction, implants (immediate) can be used to prevent jawbone resorption and facilitate treatment.
How is Sinus Lift Surgery Performed?
Sinus lift surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. First, the surgeon makes a small incision just above the gum in the upper jaw and reaches the bone wall. Then, using special hand instruments, a bone window is created and gently lifted upwards without damaging the sinus membrane.
Bone graft or synthetic graft material is placed into the resulting cavity. Finally, the incision site is closed with sutures and the operation is completed. The procedure time usually varies between 45-60 minutes for one side and 90-120 minutes for bilateral applications.
Who is Sinus Lifting Procedure Applied to?
Sinus lifting procedure is usually applied to patients with the following characteristics:
- Those with insufficient bone height or volume due to tooth loss in the posterior region of the upper jaw
- Cases in which the sinus floor sags downward as a result of prolonged tooth loss
- Cases where bone density is not suitable for implant placement on panoramic X-ray or CBCT examination
- Patients who have failed previous implant or graft procedures and need additional bone support
- Cases of advanced bone resorption requiring bone grafting to support new bone formation
- Patients in stable general health, with controlled systemic conditions (e.g. diabetes) and able to take care of their oral hygiene
- People who can limit or quit smoking before and after surgery
What Should Be Considered Before Sinus Lift Procedure?
The most important factor to be considered before the sinus lift operation is a detailed analysis of the patient’s mouth and jaw structure. The position of the sinus cavities and bone volume should be carefully evaluated with X-ray or 3D tomography images. The patient’s systemic disorders, especially diseases such as diabetes and blood pressure, should be under control, and if smoking is present, this habit should be abandoned before the procedure if possible.
In addition, medications, especially blood thinners, should be reported to the physician. All these factors directly affect the safety and success of the operation.
What are the Differences Between Open Sinus Lifting and Closed Method?
The main differences between open sinus lifting and closed method are as follows:
- Surgical Access and Field of View
In the open method, a larger incision is made in the gum and a bone window is created; the surgeon can see the sinus cavity directly. In the closed method, a small bone hole is drilled and the sinus membrane is raised with special instruments similar to the hourglass principle and the field of view is limited. - Graft Volume and Placement Control
In the open technique, a large amount of bone graft or synthetic material is placed because a larger space is obtained; the placement process is better controlled. In the closed method, the graft volume remains limited and the placement of the material in the sinus floor is done in a limited area. - Operation Time and Surgical Trauma
The closed procedure is usually shorter and involves less surgical trauma, tissue incision and risk of infection. The open method may take longer depending on the complexity of the case and the soft tissue trauma is slightly higher.
Recovery Process and Comfort
After closed lifting, the number of stitches is less, swelling and pain are usually milder; recovery time is short. In open lifting, the number of stitches may be higher, swelling and discomfort may be felt a little more intensely; recovery takes a little longer.Application Indications
The closed method is ideal for patients with mild to moderate bone loss at the sinus floor and low graft volume requirements. The open method is preferred in complex cases with advanced bone resorption, need for large grafts or anatomical difficulties.Complication and Risk Ratio
There is a risk of perforation of the sinus membrane in both methods; however, the open method has a higher chance of repairing the membrane as there is a chance of direct intervention. If the membrane is perforated in the closed method, the intervention option may be limited.
What Can Be Done For Pain After Sinus Lift?
Mild or moderate pain may be experienced after the sinus lift procedure. This pain usually reaches its peak in the first 48 hours after the procedure and then gradually decreases. Regular use of painkillers prescribed by the physician is important to control the pain.
Cold compresses help reduce facial swelling and pain, especially in the first 24 hours. In addition, consuming soft and warm foods and not straining the operation area will reduce the pain level. If the pain does not subside within a few days or becomes more severe, a dentist should be consulted for the risk of infection.
How Does the Recovery Process Proceed After Sinus Lift Surgery?
The healing process after sinus lift surgery usually starts within 7 to 10 days, but bone healing takes longer and continues for about 4 to 6 months. In the first days after the operation, slight swelling, bruising and slight bleeding from the nose may be observed. These symptoms are generally considered normal. Patients should take the prescribed antibiotics and painkillers regularly, pay attention to oral hygiene and follow the doctor’s prescribed check-ups. In addition, excessive physical activity and movements that create pressure inside the mouth (blowing, sneezing, sneezing, blowing) should be avoided during this period.
When Is Implant Done After Sinus Lift?
The time of implant placement after sinus lifting may vary depending on the patient’s bone structure, the surgical technique applied and the healing process. If there is sufficient bone volume and the “closed sinus lifting” method has been applied, implant placement can be performed in the same session.
However, in cases where the bone volume is severely insufficient and “open sinus lifting” has been applied, new bone formation is expected to be completed. This usually takes between 4 and 6 months. Depending on the state of healing, your dentist will determine the best time for the implant by evaluating with panoramic x-rays or 3D tomography.
What is the Difference Between Bone Graft and Sinus Lift?
Bone grafting and sinus lifting are both procedures that aim to increase bone volume before dental implants, but their application locations and purposes are different. Bone grafting is the process of increasing bone volume by placing artificial or autologous bone material (taken from the person himself) into the missing bone area. This method can be used in both the upper and lower jaw.
Sinus lifting is applied only in cases where there is insufficient bone in the posterior region of the upper jaw, i.e. under the sinus cavity. In this procedure, the sinus membrane is lifted up and a bone graft is placed in the resulting cavity. In other words, bone graft is also used during the sinus lifting operation, but the procedure is specific to the sinus area.
What are the Possible Complications After Sinus Lift Operation?
Although a sinus lift is generally considered safe, as with any surgical procedure, it carries some risk of complications. One of the most common complications is rupture of the sinus membrane, which can complicate the procedure and increase the risk of infection. There may also be swelling, bruising, minor bleeding and pain after the operation, which is usually temporary.
In rare cases, sinus infection (sinusitis), failure of the implant, displacement of the graft material may also occur. Smoking, systemic diseases such as diabetes and inadequate oral hygiene are factors that increase the risk of complications. Therefore, it is extremely important to strictly follow the post-operative care instructions given following the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can take a look at the common questions asked by our patients and contact us for all other questions you are curious about.
Yes, mild to moderate swelling and pain after sinus lifting is generally considered normal. This is part of the body’s natural healing process and usually subsides within a few days.
Since the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, no pain is felt during the procedure. There may be mild pain after the operation, but it can be easily controlled with prescribed painkillers.
A sinus lift is safe when performed by a specialized dentist or maxillofacial surgeon. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are small risks and the possibility of complications.
Yes, some patients may experience temporary nasal congestion after the procedure. This is usually caused by swelling in the sinus area and resolves spontaneously in a short time.
The sinus lift procedure usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the technique applied and the anatomical structure of the patient.
