Why Do I Need a Sinus Lift?
To optimize the longevity and efficacy of dental implants, it is often necessary to augment existing bone or otherwise supplement the oral tissues, as dental implants require a sturdy base of bone and healthy gum tissue for stability and protection. This is done with bone and tissue grafts and surgical procedures. When there is substantial bone loss in the upper jaw, the recommended procedure is usually a sinus lift, also called a maxillary sinus augmentation. In this procedure, the lower membrane of the maxillary sinus is lifted so that a bone graft can be placed into the upper jaw. As the bone integrates the graft material, the jaw grows stronger and more able to accommodate a dental implant without interfering with the sinus cavity.
In order to understand why you might need a sinus lift, it’s helpful to first understand some basic anatomy. Human sinuses are interconnected passages in the skull, linked to the nostrils and the back of the throat, that help circulate oxygen and filter the air that enters your lungs. Two of these sinus cavities, the maxillary sinuses, are located directly above the pre-molars and molars at the back of the mouth. When a person loses a tooth, the bone that once supported the tooth is gradually reabsorbed into the body. When a person loses a pre-molar or molar, which are larger than the rest of the teeth, this leaves behind a sizable socket, and as the bone reabsorbs, the floor of the maxillary sinus grows closer and closer to the jaw.
Any time there is extreme bone loss in the upper jaw, an implant dentist is likely to recommend a sinus lift before placing dental implants. In some patients, sinus lifts are recommended because the maxillary sinus and upper jaw are too close together, which increases the risk of the dental implant penetrating through the bone and into the sinus. Patients with periodontal disease are also often good candidates for sinus lifts, as periodontal disease usually causes significant bone loss in the jaw. When untreated tooth decay is allowed to spread, it, too, can cause bone loss and compromise the strength of the bone; in these cases, a sinus lift and other grafts can help reinforce the bone in preparation for a dental implant. Your dentist will discuss these specifics with you, along with addressing any underlying oral health concerns, in your consultation for dental implants or other dental restorations.
To determine what sorts of preparatory procedures may be needed, your implant dentist will use x-ray and CT technology to assess the quantity and quality of bone in the prospective implant sites and to note the location of vessels and nerves. You and your oral surgeon will discuss your options for grafting material, which may be harvested from your own body or from a human or animal donor, or which may be made of a synthetic material. Sinus lifts are performed while the patient is anesthetized, making the procedure painless. After making a small incision in the gums, the oral surgeon cuts a small space in the jawbone, exposing the membrane at the bottom of the maxillary sinus. This membrane is lifted out of the way, which makes more space for healthy jawbone to develop, and space is filled with bone graft material before the gums are sutured back into place. Once this graft site has fully healed and the graft has fused with natural bone, which takes a few months, the dental implant or implants can be placed. While sinus lifts and other preparatory procedures may add to the overall timeline for completing dental implant restoration treatment, they are integral to the long-term success of dental implants and can help support a lifetime of comfortable speech, enjoyable eating, and confident smiles.