Sinus lift

The main obstacle for insertion of the dental implants is the condition of the bone in the back of the jaw. If too much time has passed from the extraction, the maxillary sinus may have caused bone resorption.

The purpose of sinus lifting is to upgrade the hollow parts with artificial bone creating a base for the implant in the bone.

A small sinus lift is performed with the osteotomy technique. The mucus of the sinus from the bottom is lifted and a bone is implanted before the implant gets fixed.

When most of the bone is missing, we are talking about a large sinus lift procedure (the “lateral approach” technique). When it is not possible to fix the implant immediately, the procedure is divided into two parts. It begins with the sinus lift and after bone regeneration, we can continue with implant insertion to avoid possible rejection.

For sinus lift we can use:

• the patient's bone;
• artificial bone, with platelet-rich plasma useful for wound healing and stimulating the tissue regeneration;
• bio-membranes to stabilize blood clots and bone defects.

A sinus lift is a classic operation in implantology. It is performed under local anesthesia and is painless for the patient.

Sinus lift: postoperative instructions

After the sinus lift surgery, it is necessary to follow the post-operative instructions:

• Avoid blowing your nose;
• Avoid sneezing (if necessary, do so with your mouth open);
• The use of straws is not recommended;
• Pain relievers can be used but always on a full stomach (otherwise they could cause nausea and vomiting). If the pain and discomfort do not disappear within 3 days, it is necessary to contact the clinic;
• It is recommended to use all medications prescribed by your doctor;
• Smoking before and after surgery is not recommended. Smoking prolongs healing time and bone regeneration;
• We recommend rest. Physical movement and exercise should be avoided.

Attention

• Nosebleeding or the presence of small bone particles in the mouth is normal;
• Slight swelling is possible in the operated area. To soothe it the patient can use a package of freezing gel and press it on the face for 20 minutes. It should be repeated with 10-minute breaks throughout the first day.
• Rest is recommended with the raised head (with the support of several pillows). If the swelling lasts too long or if it increases, it is necessary to contact the clinic.

Important facts

• Pain – The presence of discomfort or pain after sinus lift surgery is normal. It is important to use only medications prescribed by a doctor, medications that stimulate bleeding should be avoided.
• Swelling – Swelling or bruising under the eyes is completely normal after surgery. It is recommended to use ice to reduce swelling for up to 5 hours after surgery. The swelling can last up to a week.
• Bleeding – Slight bleeding is normal after sinus lift surgery. If the bleeding becomes heavier, it can be stopped with sterile gauze (or a teabag). The gauze should be kept on the affected area for about 10 minutes. Treatment will be more effective with a high-protein diet and hydration.