Dental implants have changed how dentists restore missing teeth, offering a strong and good-looking option. But their success depends on having enough jawbones. If the upper jaw near the back teeth doesn’t have enough bone height then dentists might suggest a sinus lift. But is a sinus lift necessary for implants always? Let’s explore what a sinus lift is, why it might be necessary, and the situations under which it becomes essential.
What is a sinus lift?
A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, is a surgery that adds bone to your upper jaw near your molars and premolars. The bone is placed between your jaw and the maxillary sinuses, located beside your nose. During the treatment, the sinus membrane is raised upward to make room for the bone. Usually, a periodontist or oral surgeon performs this procedure.
Why you might need a sinus lift
Before receiving dental implants, a sinus lift may be required for the following reasons:
- Thin jawbone: The upper jaw is naturally thinner than the lower jaw. This thinness can worsen due to gum disease, missing teeth, or other reasons.
- Sinus location: Sometimes, the sinuses are naturally positioned too close to the upper jaw, leaving insufficient space for implants.
- Bone loss: The bone begins to resort, or shrink, after tooth loss, which can lower the amount of bone that is accessible for implant insertion.
- Bone quality: Even if there is enough bone height, the bone quality may not be sufficient to support the implant.
Sinus lift procedure
The following are the steps involved in the sinus lift procedure:
- Incision: A small incision is made in the gum tissue where the back teeth used to be to expose the jawbone.
- Bone access: A small window is then opened in the bone to expose the sinus membrane.
- Lifting the membrane: The sinus membrane is gently lifted upward.
- Bone grafting: To raise the height of the bone, bone graft material is inserted into the area where the sinus once was.
- Healing: The gum tissue is stitched back in place, and the area is allowed to heal for few months, during which the bone graft material integrates with the natural bone.
When you need a sinus lift
A sinus lift is usually required if the upper jaw’s bone height is less than 4-6 millimeters. There are specific situations when a sinus lift is crucial:
- Loss of bone: If you have experienced significant bone loss as a result of gum disease or long-term tooth loss.
- High sinus floor: If your sinus floor is naturally positioned low, making it impossible to place implants without adding more bone.
- Multiple implants: To ensure that multiple implants in the upper jaw are successful and long-lasting, it is important to make sure there is sufficient bone support.
Read also : Malocclusion: types, causes, and treatment
Conclusion
A sinus lift can be an essential procedure for assuring the success of dental implants in the upper jaw. It addresses the issue of insufficient bone height by augmenting the jawbone, thereby providing a stable foundation for implants. Whereas, the necessity of a sinus lift depends on individual circumstances, such as the amount of existing bone, the position of the sinuses, and the overall dental health of the patient.
Consulting with a skilled dental professional is essential to determine the best approach for each case. With proper planning and execution, dental implants can provide a long-lasting and effective solution for tooth replacement, even in cases where a sinus lift is required.
