Sinus Lifting

Typically, this procedure is applied when there is a reduction in bone volume in the posterior region of the upper jaw (maxilla). The goal here is to increase bone volume to facilitate the placement of appropriate implants. The maxillary sinuses are air-filled spaces located in the posterior region of the upper jaw bones. These spaces are lined with a membrane known as the sinus membrane. Due to tooth loss, the effect of gravity, or anatomical variations, the amount of bone in this region can decrease over time. When this happens, there is insufficient bone volume to place dental implants. The sinus lift procedure provides a solution to increase bone volume.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, sometimes simultaneously with implant placement, or by first performing the sinus lift and placing the implants afterward. This process involves lifting the sinus membrane by pushing it upwards and filling the area with bone graft material. There are several different techniques for sinus lifting. The most commonly used ones are the Closed Method (internal sinus lifting) and the Open Method (external sinus lifting).

When there is a certain amount of existing bone, the internal sinus lifting can be performed by pushing the sinus upwards using special instruments through the implant cavity, sometimes using bone graft material and sometimes without. When the bone level in the sinus area is below a certain threshold, to avoid perforating the membrane, a window is opened from the side of the edentulous area, and the bone graft material is filled in, a procedure known as external (open) sinus lifting.

The bone graft used in this procedure can be sourced from the patient’s own tissue, or it can be synthetic or bovine-derived. Both techniques can be applied depending on the patient’s bone loss, implant needs, and the doctor’s preference. Both procedures are successful methods and effectively meet the patient’s needs, resulting in increased bone volume.

However, as with any surgical procedure, sinus lifting carries certain risks. These risks include infection, bleeding, perforations or tears in the sinus cavity, loss or displacement of the graft material, and the development of cysts or other complications in the sinus cavity. Sinus lifting can be an effective option to increase bone volume even in patients who are not suitable candidates for dental implantation. However, it should be evaluated by a dentist or surgeon to determine if it is appropriate for each patient.

In conclusion, sinus lifting is an effective surgical technique used to increase bone volume for upper jaw dental implantation. By increasing the necessary bone volume for the successful placement of dental implants, this procedure offers a safe and long-lasting solution for patients.