You need a sinus lift (sinus augmentation) when your dentist can’t place your dental implants because you don’t have sufficient bone height in the upper jaw or your sinuses are too close to the jaw. If you have a sinus lift coming up, you need to know what to expect throughout the surgery process.

What is a Sinus Lift?

Some people need dental implants but don’t have enough bone support essential for implants because of bone loss that’s where a sinus lift can help as it boosts the amount of bone in the upper jaw by adding bone to the space between your molars and premolars. The sinus membrane has to be moved upward to make enough space for the bone. Overall, a sinus lift is a surgery that makes it easier to place dental implants.

What happens before Sinus Lift surgery?

If you decided to do this procedure you’ll need to get X-rays taken because it allows the surgeon or dental specialist to study your jaw and sinuses so they can figure out exactly what you need.

What happens during Sinus Lift Surgery?

Patients have several anesthetic options to choose from like local anesthesia, general anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or nitrous oxide sedation. After anesthesia, the surgeon cuts the gum tissue where the implant is planned. When the jawbone has been exposed your surgeon cuts a small circle in the bone and lifts the bony piece into the sinus cavity space and This “lift” provides a space that can be filled with bone graft material.
Occasionally the dental implant is placed right after your procedure, but most often it is preferred to allow 6 or more months for the area to heal before placing the implant. The amount of time between your surgery and getting your implants placed depends on how much bone you needed.

What happens after your Sinus Lift surgery?

You might have some swelling and experience some light bleeding from your nose or mouth in the days immediately following surgery. Sneezing and blowing your nose can cause the bone-graft material to move and loosen the stitches so try not to blow your nose or sneeze frequently after your procedure even though it’s extremely hard to control it.
Your dentist might give you some antibiotics and pain medicine to ease the pain. Moreover, you can also get a saline spray to keep your nose moist. To prevent infection you can use an antimicrobial mouthwash. Furthermore, you need to make an appointment with your surgeon 7-10 days after your surgery.

When should you contact your surgeon after your Sinus Lift surgery?

You should call your doctor in some cases like:
•If you have a fever.
•If the bone-graft material has dislodged.
•If the bleeding continues after 1-2 days.
•If the swelling or pain rises over time.