Contents
- 1 What Is A Sinus Lift?
- 2 When Is A Sinus Lift Necessary?
- 3 Sinus Lift Cost In Australia
- 4 What Are The Different Types Of Sinus Lift?
- 5 What Happens Before A Sinus Lift Surgery?
- 6 What Is The Procedure For Sinus Lift Surgery?
- 7 Recovery From Sinus Lift Surgery
- 8 What Are The Complications of A Sinus Lift?
- 9 FAQs
- 10 Conclusion
Key Takeaways:
- Dental implant patients lacking jaw bone mass may require a sinus lift
- Sinus lifts take on average 2 hours to complete and six months to fully heal
- My Implant Dentist offers affordable payment plans that cover the cost of the sinus lift surgery
- To avoid any complications, ensure you visit a qualified dentist to perform your sinus lift surgery
What Is A Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is a dental surgical procedure aimed at increasing the bone volume in the upper jaw, specifically in the area of molars and premolars. This is achieved by lifting the sinus membrane and adding bone graft material in the created space. The procedure is typically required when there is insufficient bone height or thickness to support dental implants.
When Is A Sinus Lift Necessary?
Your dentist would recommend a sinus lift when you have less than 3-5mm of bone height in the back portion of your jaw.
However, the usual reasons for performing this kind of surgical procedure could be one or more of the following:
- Your sinuses are very close to your jaw
- The bone height of your jawbone is too short
- You want dental implants and need to make room for them
Sinus Lift Cost In Australia
The cost of a sinus lift procedure typically ranges from $4,000 to $6,000. This cost can vary based on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the type of bone graft material used, and the dentist’s fees. It is important to discuss the expected costs with your dentist before the procedure. Some dental insurance plans may cover a portion of the procedure, and financing options may also be available.
My Implant Dentist offers two very affordable payment plan options: Total Lifestyle Credit.
What Are The Different Types Of Sinus Lift?
Internal Sinus Lift
An internal sinus lift involves drilling the bone up to the surface of the maxillary sinus without breaking it and carefully inserting the bone graft material through the obtained hole.
You will most likely feel less pain as the sinus is lifted only within 1-3mm. However, there is a risk of sinus membrane rupture as your surgeon will be working with no direct visibility.
External Sinus Lift
Unlike the internal sinus lift, an incision is made from inside the oral cavity, and then the introduction of bone graft material is also made.
The external sinus lift technique reduces the risk of rupturing the sinus membrane and creates a firmer base for the placement of implants. However, it has a lengthy treatment cycle and a higher risk of complications.
What Happens Before A Sinus Lift Surgery?
Just like any surgical procedure, your dental care provider informs you about all the risks and benefits of the sinus lift before undertaking the surgery.
They will perform X-rays and scans to confirm if you are fit for the sinus lift surgery.
The dentist will then give you the option of choosing where to get the bone tissues from. They can come from you (any part of your body), another human being, a cow, or even synthetic material such as hydroxyapatite.
You do not need to be afraid of contamination since all materials will be processed and properly cleaned to keep them safe.
Additionally, before you start the procedure, your dentist will inject local anaesthesia into the area that needs to be treated. Anaesthesia aims to numb the area so you do not feel any pain during the procedure.
What Is The Procedure For Sinus Lift Surgery?
There are numerous ways to perform sinus lift surgery. Each approach depends on how much bone you have in your jaw and the type of bone graft your dental care provider will use.
Here are the steps your dental surgeon takes:
- The surgeon first exposes the surface of the bone by making an incision along the gum line.
- Right after, they will cut the jawbone to have a clear view of the sinus and then gently move the membrane of the jaw out of the way of the jaw itself.
- After this, the graft material, which could be a synthetic bone or a bone from another part of your body, is then placed in the area the sinus used to be.
- With a few stitches, your surgeon closes up your tissue, giving the bone time to heal.
The procedure typically takes 2 hours to complete. You must follow up with your dentist after 7-10 days to ensure proper healing and recovery.
Recovery From Sinus Lift Surgery
Recovery from a sinus lift surgery typically involves a few days of rest to allow for initial healing. Patients may experience minor swelling and bleeding in the surgical area, which should subside within a few days. Pain relievers may be prescribed to manage discomfort, and antibiotics may be given to prevent infection.
Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities that could dislodge the bone graft material. Regular follow-ups with the dentist are necessary to monitor the healing process and ensure the success of the procedure. It is important to note that the complete healing and integration of the bone graft can take several months.
What Are The Complications of A Sinus Lift?
All surgical procedures have their risks and complications. Before proceeding, it is recommended that you get a second opinion from a qualified dentist. Sinus lift complications are different from post-operative symptoms like swelling and inflammation.
Here are a few complications that can arise from the sinus lift procedure:
- Bone necrosis
- Implant failure
- Bone fractures
- Sinus membrane rupture
- Wound drainage
- Displacement of implants into the maxillary sinus
- Facial bruise
- Sinusitis
- Infraorbital nerve injuries
The symptoms listed above are very rare.
FAQs
Can A Sinus Lift Cause Problems?
Yes, even though this can occur when performed wrongly or by an inexperienced surgeon. There can be a risk of infection and other problems even when done properly by a well-trained surgeon. This is why it is very important to keep follow-up appointments during recovery.
What Is The Complication Of Lateral Sinus Lift?
The most common complications are infections, tears, and bleeding.
How Often Do Sinus Lifts Fail?
With a success rate of up to 90%, sinus lifts rarely fail, which brings the failure rate to a 3-6% probability.
What Can You Not Do After A Sinus Lift?
Any activity involving oral or nasal pressure must be avoided, such as smoking, blowing air into balloons, severe sneezing, and coughing.
Does A Sinus Lift Affect Breathing?
No, a sinus lift has nothing to do with your ability to breathe. It does not affect breathing at all.
How Painful Is A Sinus Lift?
The pain cannot be measured as different patients react differently to pain. However, the procedure causes considerable pain and discomfort and unpleasant facial swelling.
How Long Is The Swelling After A Sinus Lift?
This goes on for about 2–5 days. You can reduce the intensity of the swelling with the use of ice packs for the first 24 hours.
Conclusion
Undergoing a sinus lift surgery is very important if you do not have enough jawbone for your implants. However, to reduce the risk of complications, you should go to a qualified dentist. They will ensure your pass through the surgery and complete the recovery period safely.
My Implant Dentist is known for their excellent dental surgery and consultations. Our dentists are always ready to attend to you. Ensure you contact us to book an appointment for your sinus lift surgery.
