The bone then loses volume, and this could be an obstacle should the decision be made to place an implant to replace the missing tooth and restore its aesthetic and chewing functions.
There are several bone augmentation techniques: in order to achieve adequate bone tissue height for implant placement, sinus lift is often used.
What is sinus lift and what is it for
The term sinus lift refers to an oral surgery by which the available bone can be increased in order to place a dental implant.
Simply put, through the insertion of bone into the space formed between the sinus membrane (which is raised) and the floor of the sinus, which is actually "brought higher."
Of course, you should not think that implant placement can take place immediately after the elevation surgery, apart from a few cases: you have to wait for the time needed for everything to stabilize and for the bone crest to gain those two to four millimeters needed to perform the implant placement.
Four to nine months of waiting are usually needed.
One of the first questions asked of professionals at the Savasta practice is: what is the sinus?
This is one of the four paranasal sinuses (the others are the frontal sinus, ethmoidal sinus, and sphenoidal sinus), which are cavities located within the cranial bones; the sinuses are lined with mucous membrane and are connected to the nostrils by small holes called ostia.
Of all the sinuses, the maxillary sinus is the largest and is characterized by its pyramid shape.
Techniques and phases of the intervention
Anorthopanoramic examination is necessary to check the presence of bone and assess whether it is appropriate to undergo a sinus lift.
Modern instruments make it possible to "shoot" the digital 3D overview: this makes it easier to study the anatomy of the maxillary sinus and design the surgery for its elevation.
Bothclinical examination and instrumental examination are critical in choosing the best technique for the individual case. The actual surgery begins with theopening of the gingiva: the cut is made near the paranasal cavity; the membrane is raised to make space for the filling material.
Finally, the opening is closed by applying sutures. Over time, the inserted material integrates perfectly with the bone, creating an adequate surface to accommodate the implant on which the prosthesis will later be screwed.
The surgery can be performed following two techniques:
- Rise from the crestal zone;
- Elevation from the lateral breast area.
Usually the former is chosen when the bone has a volume of at least four millimeters; in some cases this technique allows the implant to be placed immediately after the elevation surgery.
On the other hand, when the ridges of the alveolus have a very small volume, the technique of elevation from the lateral area is used: in this case, we usually wait until the graft material has fully consolidated before proceeding with implant placement.
Preparation for the operation
Sinus lift is now regarded as a routine operation in oral surgery.
If you are afraid of pain during surgery, you can rest assured: the operation is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel any discomfort when you are under the knife.
If anything, you may notice slight swelling in the days following the session, but this is easily managed.
In any case, before undergoing the procedure, the medical team at the Savasta practice performs an orthopanoramic X-ray so that they know exactly the amount and status of the tooth structure; a CT scan of the jawbone may also be necessary to verify the actual amount of bone present.
Elevation surgery will not be possible if the presence of cysts, sinusitis, neoplasms, or other foreign bodies within the sinus is noted.
After surgery, in order to avoid the onset of complications, your dentist will explain what needs to be done. It all starts, of course, with proper oral hygiene: washing your mouth following the specialist's instructions is not only essential for the prevention of complications, but also to speed up and facilitate healing.
In any case, we recommend that you follow your dentist's advice.
