What is a sinus lift?

A sinus lift, also known as a sinus augmentation, is a procedure that adds bone to your upper jaw in the area of your molars and pre-molars. A sinus lift is performed when there is not enough bone height in the upper jaw, or the sinuses are too close to the jaw, for dental implants to be placed in your upper jaw. The bone used in the sinus lift may come from your own body, from a cadaver or from a cow’s bone. If your own bone is used in the sinus lift, it will be taken from other areas of your body. This is usually taken from your hip or tibia.

You will usually have to wait for about 6-months post-procedure for the bone graft to settle before dental implants are able to be implanted.

What happens during a sinus lift?

You will have an initial consultation with your oral and maxillofacial surgeon or periodontist to discuss the suitability of the procedure, discuss options, and discuss the details of the procedure. If your own bone material is to be used, the surgeon or periodontist will organise a procedure prior to the sinus lift to have bone material taken from your hip or tibia.

Before the procedure, the surgeon or periodontist would apply a local or general anaesthetic. Once the anaesthetic takes effect, the dentist will usually make an incision in the gums, and then expose the jawbone. Then a hole is cut into the bone to enable the dentist to gently push the sinus upwards. The area is then packed in the bone graft material. Once this is completed, the gums will be closed again and stitched shut.

The procedure usually takes between 1-2 hours. Post-procedure, your surgeon or periodontist will usually provide you with a gauze pad to bite down on which should help to stop excessive bleeding on the surgical site. You should change the gauze pad every hour or so. It is common for patients to experience swelling and pain for about 2-3 days post-procedure, although a slightly longer recovery period is normal. Some patients use ice packs to reduce the swelling. It is important to avoid excessive mouth rinsing in order to allow the surgery site to form a blood clot and stop the bleeding. It is also important for you to stop smoking and avoid blowing your nose for 1-week. You are usually able to return to work immediately post-procedure.

How do I find the right surgeon or periodontist?

The best way is to speak to a few oral and maxillofacial surgeons or periodontists, look up their reviews and find out which surgeon or periodontist you are most comfortable with. At Holiday Health, we can connect you to reputable and reliable surgeons and periodontists. We strongly suggest you take into consideration that the surgeon or periodontist you choose:

• is reputable and trustworthy;
• has a proven track record;
• is registered with or accredited by their local government or the governing medical body or association;
• has never been disqualified from practising anywhere in the world;
• has never been found guilty of endangering a patient’s life; and
• has never been found guilty of malpractice.

You should also include any preferences you might have. For example, you might be more comfortable with a female surgeon or periodontist, or someone who has more experience.

Important 

Before your procedure, you will have the opportunity to discuss your goals and the results you would like to achieve with your surgeon or periodontist. Communication is vital in reaching your goals. Ensure you communicate your vision clearly to your dentist and re-confirm the intended procedure to ensure there is no miscommunication. Your surgeon or periodontist will work with you to reach an understanding about what you can expect from this procedure, and what long-term benefits and side-effects you may experience. Every patient is different, and your dentist will choose the surgical technique and treatment plan that is right for you.

Your surgeon or periodontist will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and which vitamins and medications should be taken or avoided.

Please note. The information found on this website is purely for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon for its exactness or for its accuracy for your specific situation and/or for your specific procedure. The information provided is not a substitute for advice from your medical professional as it may not contain all the known facts, risks and side effects of this procedure. Please consult with your surgeon or periodontist about your personal circumstances and about your personal procedure / treatment plan. We take no responsibility for any misinformation, inaccuracies, or for any loss or damage suffered by you in relation to the services we provide to you, or the information provided on our website.