Sinus elevation

Maxillary sinuses are cavities located in the upper jaw bone. With the loss of a molar, the sinus tends to descend into the space left by the tooth. The height of the bone no longer allows for the placement of a dental implant. It is possible to raise the sinus for implant placement (ceramic or titanium).

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Indications for treatment

Insufficient bone substance for dental implants (zircon or titanium).

Advantages

A sinus lift provides sufficient bone substance for implant placement, which is a preferred alternative to removable prostheses that may be unstable and, therefore, may injure the gums and contribute to the phenomenon of gum recession.

Disadvantages

The procedure involves certain risks, including:

A perforation of the sinus membrane. If necessary, the membrane can be sewn back on to continue the procedure. It is also possible to allow some time for the membrane to heal on its own. Sinus elevation may be resumed a few months later;
Infection or inflammation;
Pain;
A rejection of the bone graft, although this is rather rare.

Processing steps and times

A cavity is first made in the bone;
The sinus is carefully elevated;
Fine bone particles are introduced into the cavity to fill the space left by the sinus;
A membrane is applied to close the access;
The gum is closed with fine stitches;
After a healing period of a few weeks, the sinus level allows the positioning of the rear implants.

Postoperative indications

Please note that these recommendations are provided for information purposes only and that the best recommendations are those of your dentist or specialist who performed the surgery. The following is a list of the most common recommendations from practitioners:

Take prescribed or recommended painkillers;
Take the prescribed antibiotics;
Use a prescribed antiseptic mouthwash according to its recommendations;
Avoid drinking form a straw, spitting, and smoking for the first 24 hours;
Avoid blowing your nose immediately after grafting, and do it gently afterwards;
Apply ice for periods of 10 to 15 minutes alternating with a rest period;
Avoid brushing teeth near the wound for a few days;
Avoid intense sporting activities as recommended;
Avoid foods that are too acidic, very hot, salty, or have a lot of vinegar;
In case of bleeding, apply a sterile compress to the wound or a moist tea bag and maintain pressure for 15 minutes. When lying down, keep your head elevated by adding an extra pillow;
If they have been used, the stitches are fragile. Some are dissolvable, some are not. It is necessary to be informed of the specific care according to each case. It should be noted that sutures often fall off by themselves. Do not pull on the wires, do not cut them;
The recovery period following surgery varies from person to person depending on the complexity of the surgery and how the patient complies with post-operative advice;
Allow about two days of rest following surgery. The swelling will usually peak during this period;
The discomfort associated with surgery often occurs within the first five days.

Alternative solutions

Mini-implants can be used as an alternative treatment. However, they are less stable in the long term.