Maxillary sinus lift
A maxillary sinus lift is a surgical bone grafting technique associated with dental implant treatment. It involves a vertical increase of the available bone in the upper posterior area of the mouth. It is necessary to lift the floor of the maxillary sinus when it is not possible to place dental implants conventionally in that area, requiring an increase in bone volume either before or simultaneously with implant placement.
Maxillary sinus lift associated with dental implants
After losing a tooth, the bone tissue that supported it atrophies and loses volume over time. Furthermore, in the posterior maxillary area, when teeth are lost, the maxillary sinuses increase in size, further reducing bone availability. If a patient wishes to have a dental implant in the posterior maxilla but no longer has the necessary amount of bone, a sinus lift is a predictable solution with high success rates.
With a maxillary sinus lift, the professionals at our dental clinic in Valencia increase the bone tissue within the sinus cavity, providing the maxilla with the necessary support bone to ensure that the implants are effective and long-lasting.
Thanks to this procedure, our dental clinic’s patients can address the lack of bone in the maxillary sinus and become candidates for dental implants.
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Which techniques are used for a sinus lift?
There are several surgical techniques that can be used for a sinus lift procedure. The chosen technique will depend on the initial bone available.
When the bone deficiency is only a few millimeters, the specialist will perform an indirect or transcrestal sinus lift. This means the bone augmentation is carried out through the same entry point where the implant will be placed. It is a quick and simple technique that only adds 5–10 minutes to a standard implant procedure.
On the other hand, when there is a significant lack of bone, a direct or lateral sinus lift is necessary. In this case, after lifting the gum, a small window is opened in the lateral bone wall of the maxillary sinus using piezoelectric cutting instruments to avoid damaging the sinus membrane. This membrane is then lifted, and the bone graft is placed underneath before finally suturing the area. While this may sound complicated, it is a procedure that causes minimal discomfort to patients. Sometimes it is possible to place the implants during the same session, but when the initial bone absence is almost total, we must wait 6 months after the sinus lift to place the implants in a second surgery.
This procedure can be performed using artificial bone graft materials or by combining these materials with the patient’s own bone obtained from neighboring areas. Regarding artificial materials, it should be noted that they are biocompatible and osteoconductive. This means they are perfectly tolerated by the body and act as a guide for new bone formation.
All sinus lift techniques are performed under local anesthesia, ensuring the operation is completely painless and requiring no special preoperative preparation. This is a routine procedure in clinics specialized in oral surgery and implantology like ours. It may cause some swelling in the treated area that typically subsides within one or two days. Since the sinus is connected to the nose, the patient may notice a metallic taste of blood for a few days or a reddish tint in nasal mucus when blowing their nose. All of this is normal and should not be a cause for concern.
Implant placement at the same time as the sinus lift procedure
As previously mentioned, it is often possible to place dental implants during the same surgical session as the maxillary sinus lift. Implant placement is possible when there is a shortage of bone, but not when it is entirely non-existent: it is essential to have at least 5 millimeters of the patient’s own bone height to provide initial stability to the implants placed during the surgery.
Durability of implants after a maxillary sinus lift
Implants placed in areas where a sinus lift has been performed carry the same guarantee as standard implants placed in areas with abundant bone. The only consideration is a 4-month waiting period after implant placement before fitting the implant-supported prosthesis, instead of the 2 months required for standard implants. This is because the grafted bone is initially weaker and needs sufficient time to consolidate.
This procedure has given many patients at our dental clinic in Valencia the opportunity to successfully enjoy dental implants.
Frequently asked questions about sinus lifts
Why is a maxillary sinus lift recommended?
Dental implant treatment is not possible if there is not enough bone to accommodate them. Unfortunately, when a tooth is lost, the supporting bone atrophies and loses volume. Additionally, the maxillary sinus increases in volume, further reducing the bone available in the posterior area of the upper jaw. A sinus lift is a bone grafting technique performed in the upper molar area to allow for the placement of dental implants in cases of low bone density.
What is achieved with this procedure?
Through the maxillary sinus lift procedure, we gain bone height within the maxillary sinus, enabling the placement of dental implants in the upper molar area for cases where there was previously insufficient bone.
What is the purpose of maxillary sinus augmentation?
Patients who lack sufficient bone tissue in the area of missing upper molars need to increase this support to subsequently incorporate dental implants.
What is the maxillary sinus?
The maxillary sinus is the largest of the four paranasal sinuses. Paranasal sinuses are anatomical cavities located inside the skull, lined with mucosa, and connected to the nostrils.
Is the maxillary sinus lift procedure painful?
Maxillary sinus lift is a completely painless procedure performed under local anesthesia. It is a routine operation that we regularly perform on many patients at our specialized dental implant clinic.
Is any prior preparation necessary?
The specialist will first perform a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) (3D X-ray) to conduct an in-depth study of the maxillary sinuses’ condition. If sinusitis is present, it must be resolved before the procedure. Often, an antibiotic treatment prescribed by the professional is sufficient. If it does not resolve, the patient must be referred to an Otolaryngologist (ENT specialist), who is the medical expert in paranasal sinus pathology, among other areas.
Do implants placed in sinus lift areas have the same durability?
Maxillary sinus lift does not affect the quality of the implants placed afterward; they maintain the same efficacy as those inserted in healthy areas of the jaw. The only consideration is that, being placed in grafted bone, they initially have less stability. Therefore, we must wait 3–4 months after placement before fitting the teeth, instead of the 2 months expected for conventional implants.
Book an appointment for your sinus lift in Valencia
At the IDIM Institute of Implantology, led by the Peñarrocha doctors, we don’t just care for your smile—we provide effective solutions, backed by our extensive experience and dedication.
With over 30 years of specialization in dental implantology, we apply advanced techniques and cutting-edge technology to ensure the best results for our patients.
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