Sinus Lift Surgery

What Is Sinus Lift Surgery?

The air-filled cavities located in the region of the upper right and left molars are our maxillary sinuses. When we occasionally hear people say "I have sinusitis", this refers to an infection of these air cavities.

When the teeth beneath the sinuses are extracted, the floor of the sinus gradually sags into the extraction space and reduces the volume of bone in this area. For implants that we want to anchor fully in the bone, this shallow volume becomes insufficient and leads to treatment failure. In such cases, the procedure of surgically opening and raising the sinus floor is called a sinus lift.

How is sinus lift surgery performed?

The sinus lift procedure is performed under local anaesthesia or sedation and takes about half an hour. For implant treatment, a window is opened in the bone surface without damaging the sinus membrane, the membrane is lifted upward, and the chosen graft (bone material) is placed in the space created beneath the lifted membrane.

After the procedure is completed, the area is usually left to heal for a period of 5 to 6 months. This time is needed for the graft placed in the area to become mineralised hard tissue.

Is sinus lift surgery painful, and what can I expect afterwards?

Sinus lift surgery is a procedure that does not cause pain or discomfort and can be performed under local anaesthesia or sedation. Swelling and mild pain for a few days after the operation are normal. With appropriate antibiotics and painkillers after the procedure, this is kept under control.

Is sinus lift surgery expensive?

The materials used for sinus lift surgery add some cost. However, where there is insufficient bone, implant treatment is not possible without a sinus lift procedure.

What should I pay attention to after sinus lift surgery?

• You should use the antibiotic, painkiller and mouthwash recommended by your doctor as directed.

• Do not smoke at all for the first 48 hours, and avoid smoking as much as possible afterwards.

• For the first 24 hours, avoid hot food and do not take a hot shower.

• For about one week, avoid blowing your nose forcefully and avoid practices such as sniffing water into the nose during ablution.