Sinus Lift Procedure and Ways on How to Avoid a Sinus Lift

Sinus Lift Procedure and Ways on How to Avoid a Sinus Lift

Feb 24, 2022

There are circumstances where a person desires to have a dental implant or needs one, but they do not have sufficient bone to support it. This type of bone loss in the jaw may be due to a congenital disability, a natural condition where your sinus cavities are enlarged, or a very thin jawbone. Cancer can also result in bone loss, and periodontal disease can lead to a small upper jaw. It is where sinus lift comes in, and the procedure creates more space by adding more bone tissue to the upper jaw where the molars should be. Do you require a sinus lift and have unresolved questions? KK Dental answers some of the most frequently asked questions concerning sinus lift surgery.

What is Sinus Lift?

Sinus lift surgery is recommended by a dentist when a patient desires to have a dental implant but does not have enough ‘room’ where the implant can be secured on the jaw bone. The surgery, also known as sinus grafting, can be carried out by either a periodontist or an oral surgeon.

Sinus lift procedure, also referred to as sinus augmentation, involves bone grafting, whereby the sinus membrane is moved upward or ‘lifted,’ increasing the amount of bone in the upper jaw. It adds more bone to the space between your molars and premolars, and therefore a dental implant can be fitted with this extra jawbone.

Sinus Lift Procedure

If a dentist has recommended sinus augmentation, the oral surgeon will first determine where the extra bone is from. There are three common types of bone used in sinus grafting. First autogenous bone is used, which is bone from your own body. Bone from a cadaver, referred to as allogenic bone, is also applicable. Lastly, where the two bones mentioned are not available, a bone from a bovine, which is termed xenograft, is also an option.

Your dentist in Somerset will first start by cutting the gum tissue. The tissue is raised, exposing the bone below. The dentist then cuts a small circle in the bone, lifts the bony part into the sinus cavity space, and fills the hole with a bone graft. The incision is then closed, and the healing process begins.

Sinus Lift Symptoms

This procedure is usually a low-risk one, but there are complications with this kind of treatment. It is essential to know that most of the swelling and pain go away after bone grafting. If the pain and swelling persist, you develop a fever, or bleeding continues for more than two days, you should visit your dental clinic and consult with the oral surgeon as there might be some complications.

During surgery, sometimes the sinus membrane punctures. During a sinus lift, this is by far the most prevalent complication. Your surgeon should be able to repair the ruptured membrane by patching or stitching it together.

After every surgery, the affected area is prone to infection, similar to sinus augmentation. It may be caused by the equipment and materials used during surgery.

Another symptom of a problem after sinus grafting is the discoloration of the eyes due to the collection of blood building after surgery. Damage to blood vessels occurs during the procedure or when the patient does not take care of their mouth after the surgery.

Sinus Augmentation Precautions

A sinus augmentation is a low-risk surgery, and your dentist in Somerset should be able to carry out the procedure with minimum complications. Although this is the case, there are things that you can do to reduce the chances of having difficulties.

First, it is imperative to choose a skilled and board-certified doctor to perform the augmentation. An experienced doctor reduces the risk of infection and puncture to the blood vessels during surgery.

It is also vital to follow the surgeon’s instructions on caring for your teeth and wound. Following these instructions will reduce the risk of infection, hematoma, and other complications.

Keeping your mouth clean and refraining from smoking will also help to alleviate any post-surgery complications.

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