Oral Surgery

SinusLift

with Dr. Nathan Eberle

Building bone in the upper jaw so dental implants have the strong, stable foundation they need for lasting results.

Overview

What is a sinus lift?

A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a surgery that makes it easier to place dental implants. Some people need dental implants but don't have enough bone support necessary for implants because of bone loss. A sinus lift increases the amount of bone in the upper jaw by adding bone to the space between your molars and premolars.

To make room for the bone, the sinus membrane has to be moved upward, or “lifted” — which gives the surgery its name. Nathan Eberle, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S. plans each case with imaging at the office so treatment is precise and predictable.

Candidacy

When Do You Need a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift may be recommended if you don't have enough bone height in the upper jaw or your sinuses are too close to the jaw. Some causes of bone loss include:

Periodontal gum disease

Losing teeth in your upper jaw

Reabsorption of bone into the body after tooth loss

Before Surgery

What Happens Before a Sinus Lift Surgery?

Before sinus lift surgery, the source of the bone graft material will be determined. Images will be taken at the office to study your jaw and sinuses so that your treatment can be planned precisely.

Autogenous Bone

Bone harvested from your own body, typically from other areas of your mouth or body.

Allogenic Bone

Bone sourced from a donor, processed and sterilized for safe surgical use.

Xenograft

Bone derived from a bovine source, widely used and well-documented in augmentation procedures.

The Procedure

How Is a Sinus Lift Surgery Done?

In about 4 to 12 months after your sinus lift surgery, your implants will be placed. This time in between gives the new bone time to merge correctly with your existing bone. The amount of time between your surgery and getting your implants placed depends on how much bone you needed.

Six Steps

Step 1

The surgeon cuts the gum tissue near the premolars and molars.

Step 2

The tissue is raised, exposing the bone underneath.

Step 3

A small circle is cut in the bone.

Step 4

The bony piece is lifted into the sinus cavity space and the hole is filled with a bone graft.

Step 5

The incision is closed.

Step 6

The healing process begins.

Recovery

What Happens After a Sinus Lift Surgery?

Most people only experience a little discomfort after their sinus lift. You might have some swelling, and you might also experience some light bleeding from your nose or mouth in the days immediately following surgery.

After your procedure, try not to blow your nose or sneeze frequently. Sneezing and blowing your nose can cause the bone-graft material to move and loosen the stitches.

Post-Operative Care

Saline spray to keep your nose moist
A prescription to prevent congestion and inflammation
Pain medicine
Antibiotics
Antimicrobial mouthwash to help prevent infection

You will have a follow-up appointment within one to two weeks after your surgery. During this appointment, the surgical site will be examined and any stitches that have not dissolved independently will be removed.

Next Steps