Maxillary Sinus Lift in Mallorca
When a person suffers the loss of a tooth in the upper arch, difficulty chewing and discomfort in articulating certain sounds are not the only consequences. If dental treatment is not resorted to in order to provide a prompt solution, over time, the edentulous (toothless) area begins to suffer from bone wear and tear known as maxillary bone resorption. This makes it impossible to place a conventional dental implant unless the maxillary sinus is previously raised.
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What is sinus lift?
Sinus lift is a surgical technique used to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw, specifically in the molar and premolar areas. This procedure is necessary when the height and volume of bone is not sufficient to support a dental implant. It is a safe, effective and predictable method, provided that a thorough study of the patient’s clinical history is carried out and advanced diagnostic tools are used.
Maxillary sinus lift technique
Depending on the diagnosis and the treatment plan personalised by the implantology specialist, one of two main techniques can be chosen for maxillary sinus lift, with the aim of bone grafting in the upper arch:
Open maxillary sinus lift.
This technique is based on the Cadwell-Luc protocol, originally used in Otolaryngology. It involves a lateral incision in the upper jaw to lift the sinus membrane (Schneider’s membrane) and place a calcium hydroxyapatite graft, which acts as artificial bone. After surgery, it is necessary to wait about 7 months for the graft to integrate with the natural bone before placing the titanium implant. However, if the patient has sufficient bone height, it is possible to place the implant immediately after surgery.
Closed maxillary sinus lift.
Also known as atraumatic sinus lift, this technique is performed through the same opening intended for titanium implant placement. It is suitable for patients with at least 5 millimetres of natural bone remaining. In many cases, it allows immediate implant placement after artificial bone grafting, optimising treatment time and recovery.
Postoperative and Recovery Time after maxillary sinus surgery.
The success rate of sinus lift is very high, but it is normal to experience swelling in the treated area, which usually subsides in 7 to 10 days. To ensure optimal recovery, it is essential to follow this post-operative care:
- Wait 2 hours before eating or drinking.
- Avoid rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth for the first 24 hours.
- Follow a soft, cold diet as directed by the specialist.
- Take prescribed medication and apply ice for 2 hours to the area.
- Reduce or eliminate smoking, if applicable.
Frequently asked questions about maxillary sinus augmentation
The waiting time is generally 4 to 6 months. This period allows the bone graft to fully integrate with the natural bone of the jaw, providing a solid foundation for the dental implant. In some cases, if there is sufficient residual bone, the implant can be placed during the sinus lift surgery itself, shortening the treatment time.
A sinus lift is performed under local anaesthesia, so it should not cause pain during the procedure. After surgery, it is common to experience some discomfort, such as swelling or tenderness in the treated area. This discomfort is usually manageable with prescription painkillers and usually subsides within a few days.
Although sinus lift is a safe procedure, there are some risks, such as infection, bleeding, or sinus membrane tears. However, these complications are rare and, in most cases, can be managed effectively. It is important to choose an experienced specialist to minimise these risks.
Maxillary sinus augmentation is ideal for patients who need implants in the upper jaw but lack the necessary bone height. It is especially indicated for those who have lost bone mass due to prolonged tooth loss or periodontal disease. A detailed clinical and radiographic examination will determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.