Missing back teeth in the upper jaw can present difficulties when fitting implants. As we lose our natural upper molars and premolars over time the jaw bone in that area will shrink. The maxillary sinuses (air filled cavities in the upper jaw above your back teeth) can also grow downwards into the space where the root of the tooth used to be. This means there isn’t much natural bone height left to place a titanium post.

With the sinus lift procedure (or augmentation/sinus floor elevation) we can overcome this issue. We add natural or artificial bone grafting material to the upper jaw to elevate the sinus membrane and create a strong and thick base.

What Is a Sinus Lift Procedure?

A sinus lift is a surgical bone grafting procedure to raise the bone height in the posterior maxilla (back of the upper jaw).

  • The sinus floor is elevated by gently lifting the inner thin Schneiderian membrane.
  • Bone grafting material is packed into the space created.
  • The new bone graft will fuse to your natural bone tissue to provide a strong structure.

Why Would I Need a Sinus Lift?

To fit a dental implant we need to make sure we have enough bone volume and density to secure the post without damaging the sinus.

  • Bone Resorption – Once you lose an upper tooth your jaw bone will stop receiving stimulation from chew. Causing natural bone loss over time.
  • Sinus Neutralization – As we age/maxillary sinuses can grow downwards into the empty tooth spaces.
  • Some people naturally have bigger maxillary sinuses or a thinner upper jaw meaning they don’t have enough bone height.
  • Without a sinus lift if we tried to place an implant into thin bone we could damage the sinus membrane with the implant screw causing infection and failing.

What Types of Bone Graft Are Used in a Sinus Lift?

High quality bone grafting materials will be used.

What Is an Auto graft?

  • Auto graft – Bone taken from part of your own body e.g. chin/hip. This will encourage quick cell growth.

What Is an Allografts?

  • Allografts – Sterile human bone taken from a donor. This is taken from certified tissue banks.

What Is a Xenografts?

  • Xenografts – Animal bone (usually cow). This is bio compatible and will act as a scaffold for your body to regrow bone.

What Is an Alloplasts?

  • Alloplasts – Man made mineral such as calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite. This will encourage natural bone growth.

What Are the Different Types of Sinus Lift?

Depending on how much bone you currently have your surgeon will chose which type of technique to use.

What Is a Lateral Window Sinus Lift?

  • Lateral Window – This is a traditional method which will be used if you have very thin bone. A small oval shape hole is made in the side of your upper jaw. The bone graft is placed under the sinus membrane after lifting it.

What Is a Transcrestal Sinus Lift?

  • Transcrestal – This is a more minimally invasive method which is used if you have a good amount of bone. The surgeon will gently lift the sinus membrane through the hole they created for your implant. Often the bone graft can be placed at the same time as your implant.

What Happens During a Sinus Lift Procedure?

By understanding what happens during your procedure you will feel less anxious.

  • 3D Scans – Your surgeon will take high quality CBCT scans to determine your bone height, check the sinus and plan where to place the graft.
  • Local Anesthetic – Your upper jaw, gums and surrounding areas will be fully numbed.
  • Incision – A small cut will be made in your gum.
  • Membrane Lift – The thin sinus membrane will be carefully lifted using micro instruments.
  • Graft Placement – The selected bone graft will be carefully placed under the sinus membrane.
  • Stitching – Small stitches will be placed to close your gum.

How Does Sinus Lift Healing Work?

Following the correct aftercare will speed up your healing.

  • Swelling – Apply ice packs to the outside of your cheek for the first 24hours. Take any anti-inflammatory medication.
  • No pressure changes – Don’t blow your nose, sneeze with your mouth closed or play any wind instruments for 2 weeks. This can cause the graft to become displaced.
  • Medication – Complete your full course of antibiotics. Use sterile salt water rinses.
  • Diet – Eat soft cool food e.g. yogurt, smoothies, eggs and warm soups for the first week. Don’t eat anything hard, crunchy or hot.

When Can I Get My Implants After a Sinus Lift?

Bone will take time to regenerate. Your body needs to turn the graft into natural dense human jaw bone.

  • Soft tissue healing – The soft tissue in your gum will heal in 10-14 days.
  • Bone graft healing – The bone graft will take between 4-9months to fully fuse with your natural bone.
  • Once the bone has fully healed your surgeon will place your titanium dental implant.
  • Sometimes if you have enough bone density your surgeon may place the graft and implant at the same time.

What Are the Best Aftercare Tips for a Sinus Lift?

  • Complete all of your anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics.
  • Apply ice packs to your cheek for 15minutes at a time in the first 24hours.
  • Sleep with 2 pillows to elevate your head to reduce pressure.
  • Sneeze with your mouth open to avoid pressure spikes.
  • Don’t use a straw as this can cause disturbance to your surgical site.
  • Don’t smoke/tobacco for a few weeks as nicotine will greatly affect the blood flow to the bone graft.
  • Contact your oral surgeon if you experience severe pain, heavy nosebleeds or displaced bone graft granules.

What Are the Frequently Asked Questions About Sinus Lift Procedures?

Is a Sinus Lift Painful?

No! Your oral surgeon will fully numb your jaw, gums and sinus with powerful local anaesthetic. Most people report feeling a slight pressure. Any discomfort and swelling is usually mild and can be controlled with painkillers.

What Are the Risks of a Sinus Lift?

The main risk with a sinus lift is damaging the thin sinus membrane. If your surgeon tears the membrane they will repair it with a small patch. They may also stop the procedure and allow it to heal before trying again. Other risks include infection, graft failure or sinusitis however this is rare when treated by an experienced specialist.

How Long Does a Sinus Lift Take?

A standard sinus lift will take 45-90 minutes to complete. This depends on whether you have 1 or 2 sides done. If you have a complex case with severe bone loss or implants being placed at the same time this can take a little longer.

Can a Sinus Lift Fail?

Sinus lifts have a very high success rate of over 95%. However on occasion the graft can fail. This is often due to heavy smoking, poor oral hygiene, uncontrolled medical conditions or severe sinus infections. By working with an experienced specialist and following the aftercare instructions this can be reduced.

A sinus lift is a very predictable treatment for patients who don’t have enough bone height in their upper jaw. By elevating the sinus membrane and placing high quality bone graft your oral surgeon will create a strong base. If missing back teeth or bone loss is causing you problems then book in for a 3D CBCT scan with an experienced dental specialist to discuss your options.