Sinus Lift
A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that increases the amount of bone in your upper jaw. This creates space for dental implants to be placed securely. Implants require sufficient bone to anchor them properly, and the upper jaw, especially in the back where molars are located, can sometimes lack the necessary bone density or volume due to bone loss.
Why is it done?
- Bone loss: Sinus lifts are needed when there's not enough bone left in the upper jaw due to reasons like gum disease or missing teeth for a long time.
- Dental implants: Implants are artificial tooth roots that fuse with the jawbone. Without enough bone, implants wouldn't be stable and could fail.
How is it performed?
- Access: A dental specialist, like a periodontist or oral surgeon, makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone.
- Bone window: A small opening is created in the jawbone.
- Lifting the sinus: The membrane lining the sinus cavity is carefully lifted upwards, creating space for bone grafting material.
- Bone grafting: The gap is filled with bone graft material, which can be synthetic, donated bone, or even your own bone from another location in your jaw.
- Healing: The incision is stitched closed, and the healing process begins. New bone will grow into the graft material over time.