Sinus Lift at Esteconfido

A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation or sinus elevation, is a dental surgical procedure performed to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw, specifically in the area of the premolars and molars. The goal of a sinus lift is to prepare the jawbone for the placement of dental implants when there is insufficient bone height in the upper jaw due to the presence of the maxillary sinuses.

Here's an overview of the sinus lift procedure:

1. Evaluation and Planning:

   • Before the procedure, the dentist or oral surgeon will conduct a thorough examination, including dental imaging such as X-rays or CT scans, to assess the anatomy of the upper jaw and the position of the maxillary sinuses.

2. Anesthesia:

   • Sinus lift procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia, but sedation options may be available for patients who prefer it.

3. Incision:

   • A small incision is made in the gum tissue at the site of the future implant placement.

4. Lifting the Sinus Membrane:

   • After exposing the underlying bone, a small window is created in the bone to access the sinus membrane.
   • The sinus membrane is gently lifted or pushed upward, creating a space between the membrane and the jawbone.

5. Bone Graft Placement:

   • The space created by lifting the sinus membrane is filled with bone graft material. This can be autogenous bone (taken from the patient's own body), allograft (donor bone), xenograft (animal bone), or synthetic bone material.
   • The bone graft serves as a scaffold, promoting the growth of new bone over time.

6. Closure:

   • After the bone graft is placed, the incision is sutured closed.

7. Healing and Integration:

   • The bone graft material needs time to integrate with the existing bone and form a stable foundation for dental implant placement.
   • Healing time varies, but it is generally several months before the area is ready for implant surgery.