Sinus Lift Surgery in Hyderabad

Over the last decade, improvements in dental implants have revolutionized dentistry. The fascinating improvement in the field has resulted in the dental implants process offering highly predictable results. However, even with all these improvements, there could be some cases where there are some limitations and two most common ones being the lack of considerable bone to support and need for additional surgical procedures like sinus lift. Also the cost, the number of visits and time taken for these surgical procedures is also to be considered.

Recently we had an International patient who had already consulted many dentists regarding dental implants. When we asked her about her problem, she started explaining in detail. Initially, ten years back she used to have a very good dentition. Later she developed little gum infection and decayed teeth which progressively increased over time leading to complete loss of upper and lower back teeth five years back. She was advised to go with dental implants by many dentists but for the upper back teeth, an additional surgical procedure of sinus lift was also advised in her home country as well as in India. Finally, we understood that she wishes to get an immediate, fixed permanent solution for her missing teeth in a simple way and she doesn’t want to go with additional surgical procedures i.e. Sinus Lifting and Bone Grafting. For patients like her and others, we thought it would be good to write this blog on Sinus lift/bone augmentation and the alternatives to sinus lift method.

What is Sinus?

Sinus lifting procedures are being advised to many patients nowadays. A sinus lift is an invasive surgical procedure where an artificial bone graft is placed and it requires a minimum one-hour procedure with the necessity of more post-operative care. What is this sinus? Why is it required? let’s discuss in detail…

Sinus is actually an air-filled empty space in the skull bone. There are various sinus spaces in the skull bone.

How is Sinus Related to Dental Implant

• The cheekbone which is present immediately above upper back teeth holds an empty space(sinus) in it which is known as the maxillary sinus.
• Usually, there are two pyramidal maxillary sinuses located above the upper back teeth and besides nose.
• This is an air-filled empty space with a pink soft tissue lining known as sinus membrane.
• Due to this position above the upper back teeth, it has a significant role in dental implant placement, especially in the upper back teeth region.
• The dental implant shouldn’t hinder these sinuses as these have very important functions like reducing skull weight, moisturizing the air and also affects tone quality in speech.

A sinus lifting procedure is done when the floor of the sinus is too close to the site where the implants are to be placed.very important functions like reducing skull weight, moisturizing the air and also affects tone quality in speech.

Why does the floor of the sinus get lowered?

This could result from –

• Prolonged period of tooth loss
• Periodontal disease i.e. severe gum disease
• Trauma

What exactly are the sinus lift and bone grafting procedure?

• In this procedure, the sinus membrane is elevated and space is created between membrane and bone.
• Into this space, an artificial bone graft is placed to the required thickness for the future dental implant and closed back.
• The patient will be asked to wait for 6 to 8 months for the bone graft to get integrated into the adjacent bone.
• Later a dental implant will be placed. Some dentists might place a dental implant and bone graft in the same visit in order to avoid a second surgical procedure.

Drawbacks of Dental Implants with Sinus Lift

• Time-consuming, involves a waiting period around 6-8 months
• Relatively more expensive than regular dental implants
• A more invasive surgical procedure
• Sometimes if the membrane ruptures, an additional surgical procedure is required after six months
• Postoperative pain, swelling, sometimes hematoma also can occur

Types of Sinus Lift

• Lateral window /Direct technique
• Osteotome /Indirect technique