Sinus Lift Side Effects?
Sinus lift procedures have been used for decades to help reinforce and restore bone in the upper jaw. It is estimated that nearly a quarter of all dental implant patients have had sinus lift surgery, and the long-term side effects of the procedure are extremely rare; however, as with any surgical procedure, there are still risks to consider. Most patients experience some minimal side effects during recovery immediately following a sinus lift, and following the recommendations for aftercare can minimize the likelihood of long-term side effects. The most common immediate side effects include tenderness, bruising, swelling, and slight bleeding, and patients are often prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection, along with instructions for keeping the surgical site clean and undisturbed as it heals. If these instructions are followed, immediate side effects should resolve within about a week, though it takes longer for the bone graft itself to completely heal.
One specific step in proper aftercare is avoiding smoking, drinking through a straw, or otherwise dislodging the sutures and upsetting the surgical site by sneezing or blowing the nose too forcefully. Many dentists recommend using decongestants and sinus rinses to keep the sinus cavities clear and moisturized, reducing the likelihood of congestion or sneezing. Patients can also help ensure the long-term success of their sinus lift treatments by choosing an experienced, trusted oral surgeon; closely following after-care instructions, including attending scheduled follow-up visits; and keeping their oral cavities clean.
If you have recently had a sinus lift and are experiencing any continued symptoms, contact your oral surgeon. These symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Prolonged bleeding
- Heavy or constant bleeding
- Increased swelling or pain
- Pain that doesn’t subside in a few days
- Noticeable movement in the jawbone after sneezing or blowing the nose
These symptoms could indicate a complication, and immediate attention is integral to their prompt resolution. Long-term side effects that could develop include sinus infections, chronic swelling in the sinuses, bone loss, nerve damage, and implant failure. Sinus infections can develop when microorganisms enter the sinus and cause pain and inflammation; these are most often treated with antibiotics. When sinus infections aren’t treated, they can turn into chronic sinusitis, which can cause long-term inflammation that manifests as nasal congestion and headaches. Bone loss can occur if the surgical site becomes infected or if the implant fails, and implant failure can occur if the implant doesn’t integrate properly with the bone tissue that’s meant to support it. Because the nerves are so close to the sinuses, the nerves may become damaged during surgery, though this is rare. It is also possible for the sinus membrane to puncture during surgery, though surgeons can repair this membrane in many cases. When the membrane can’t be repaired, it is given time to heal before surgery can proceed.
Factors that may exacerbate or contribute to longer-term side effects include the patient’s age, their smoking habits, whether they have any pre-existing medical conditions, the quality of their bone, the location of the sinus lift, the materials used, and the patient’s dental and oral hygiene habits. The experience and skill of the oral surgeon is a significant part of ensuring that these risks are minimized, and your oral surgeon will review any specific considerations with you when you meet for your consultation and evaluation. While sinus lifts aren’t necessarily recommended for everyone, they can play an instrumental role in the longevity and satisfaction of dental implants, and it’s worth it to work with your dentist and follow recommendations to help make sinus lift and dental implant treatments work for you.