What is sinus lift operation? What is bone augmenttion? Why and when are these operations performed?

Sinus lift is an oral-surgical procedure which lifts sinus level in order to gain space and available bone for implantation.

When losing a molar or premolar tooth in the upper jaw, the bone in this area is affected by gradual degradation or resorption. In time, sinus cavity widens so insufficient bone level remains for implantation. In these cases, oral cavity is separated from sinus cavity only by a very thin bone barrier, sometimes only 1 mm wide, whereas the shortest standard implants are 7 mm long.

Sinus lift creates enough bone height (8-15 mm) and appropriate situation for implantation.

Augmentation or bone adding is also performed in situations when, for various reasons, a reduction in height or width has occurred in the bone on the spot where the implant is planned.

Sinus lift operation procedure. Bone augmentation procedure

Before planning and performing sinus lift or augmentation, it is necessary to make a 3D image, which helps the surgeon to make the analysis of the bone condition. Afterwards, the surgeon informs the patient on the need for this intervention and plans these surgical procedures.

The intervention is performed with local anesthesia so it is absolutely painless for the patient. It is necessary to make the cut and then lift the mucous membrane and access the bone wall of the sinus. Next, a “window” is made on the sinus wall, and then mucous membrane of the sinus is carefully disjointed and space between sinus floor and sinus mucous membrane is created. Artificial (augmented) bone is added in the created space and the “window” is covered with membrane, after which, the wound is stitched.

Bone augmentation (adding) is performed in a similar way as with sinus lift – a small cut is made on the spot which has to be reinforced with bone replacement; artificial bone in granule or block shape is positioned in the desired spot. The granules are then covered with membrane and stitched.

After sinus lift and augmentation, it is often possible to do the implantation. Otherwise, implantation can be postponed for four to six months. Whether the implantation is postponed or performed in the same procedure depends on the complexity of the case and surgeon’s assessment.

Sinus lift – patients’ experience. Intervetion recovery

After the intervention, swell and moderate pain is expected in the intervention area. Pain can be reduced with cold compress. The compress should last for five minutes, with half-an-hour breaks. If necessary, painkillers can be taken. The patient is prescribed antibiotics preventively and advised to avoid physical strain.