A common bone grafting or oral surgery technique performed on the upper jaw of a person can be termed as sinus lift surgery. Another name given to sinus lift is sinus augmentation, where the upper jaw of an individual is worked on. It deals with the increase in the bone quantity between the jaw and the maxillary sinuses, such that the dental implants can be placed successfully.
In this context, it is important to point out that sinus lift surgeries are frequently used by oral surgeons with the aim of carrying out the jawbone augmentation process. The reason for doing so is due to the deficiency in the upper jaw that comprises both bone quality as well as quantity. In the following paragraphs, the various aspects of sinus lift will be discussed, which will help in getting a clearer understanding of sinus lift.
Sinus Lift for Dental Implants
The effectiveness of sinus lift surgery can be found in cases where there exists an insufficiency of the upper jawbone height or the sinuses are too close to the jaw, which makes it difficult to place dental implants. The anatomy of the jawbone is such that there naturally exists less bone in the upper jaw in comparison to the lower jaw.
Sinus lift patients can be seen mainly with two types of symptoms: having a smaller jawbone or having jawbone loss. A strong body foundation is provided by sinus augmentation with the help of bone grafting for dental implants.
Sinus lift surgeries comprise two types of techniques, such as the lateral window technique and the osteotome technique. While the lateral window technique is considered the traditional sinus augmentation surgery during which an incision is made in the gum by the oral surgeon, exposing the bone, on the other hand, the osteotome technique is considered a less intrusive sinus lift surgery that can be used when there is the presence of more than 6mm of natural bone height. There is a requirement of less than 4mm of elevation by the sinus floor.
Impact of a sinus lift on changing facial appearance
Although sinus lift cannot be considered a cosmetic surgery, it does help in preserving a person’s facial profile indirectly. Bite collapse can occur due to the missing back teeth, causing the facial support to change gradually.
Implants help to rebuild the bone and replace teeth, which helps in maintaining a person’s bite height while subsequently maintaining the natural support of their mid-face over time.
Moreover, stimulating the bone and supporting the soft tissues of a person’s cheeks and lips are carried out by dental implants when their pairing is done with high-quality restorations.
Therefore, the sinus lift can be considered a significant step enabling implants for supporting a natural facial profile, along with preserving a person’s smile as well as facial proportions that appear healthy and balanced.
Steps for avoiding sinus lift complications
In spite of making a name for itself in the field of dental implants, there are certain complications associated with sinus lift. These include sinus infection, puncture in the sinus, dental implant failure, and excessive drainage.
One of the most common sinus lift complications is considered to be a sinus infection that occurs due to the absence of adequate post-surgery care or the lack of appropriate sanitation when the technique is carried out. Another concern is associated with a puncture in the sinus that is typically repaired at the time of surgery; however, if there is no immediate repair of the hole, the technique has to be stopped, and postponement takes place.
Dental implant failure occurs when the sinus lift cannot successfully link correctly with the newly inserted bone. Finally, excessive damage takes place when there occurs the frequent draining of red blood or pus from the affected area.
The two key steps for avoiding sinus lift complications comprise experienced surgical techniques and patient education and compliance. To carry out experienced surgical procedures means that sinus lift surgery should be performed only by an oral surgeon who has the necessary skill and experience. The chance of problems can be reduced by giving attention to details that include the opening of the sinus membrane and ensuring the correct placement of the graft. Concerning patient education and compliance, it can be stated that patients need to be taught to follow the directions given before and after surgery, encouraging them to be involved in the recovery process. To emphasise quitting smoking, maintaining good oral hygiene, and following up visits helps in increasing the possibility of success while reducing the risk of complications.
Cost of Sinus Lift Surgery
The sinus lift cost in seven different cities of India, such as Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune, has been mentioned below.
In Kolkata, the average cost is Rs. 20000, in Bangalore, the average cost is Rs. 40,000, while the starting price is Rs. 28,000, which can go up to Rs. 70,000. In Chennai, the average cost is Rs. 38,000 while the starting price is Rs. 26,600, which can go up to Rs. 66,500. In Delhi, the average cost is Rs. 42,000 while the starting price is Rs. 29,400, which can go up to Rs. 73,500. In Gurgaon, the average cost is Rs. 40,000 while the starting price is Rs. 28,000, which can go up to Rs. 70,000. In Hyderabad, the average cost is Rs. 40,000, while the starting price is Rs. 28,000, which can go up to Rs. 70,000. In Mumbai, the average cost is Rs. 44,000, while the starting price is Rs. 30,800, which can go up to Rs. 77,000. Last but not least, in Pune, the average cost is Rs. 40,000 while the starting price is Rs. 28,000, which can go up to Rs. 70,000.
Risks and complications associated with sinus lift surgery
The sinus lift surgery comprises several challenges and risks that include implant and graft failures, concerns related to chronic sinus, perforation of the sinus membrane, and infections.
The risk of sinus membrane perforation occurs when excessive pressure is applied at the time of bone grafts, or a correct evaluation regarding the anatomy of the sinus needs to be carried out.
There is a risk of getting an infection post sinus lift surgery, even after using strict sterile methods, as bacteria may enter the surgical area and cause diseases that might spread throughout one’s body.
When adequate blood flow is not present, the surgery is not carried out correctly, or if the patient is a smoker or has no control over their diabetes, then graft failure can occur.
Implant failure occurs when there is too little bone mass or when the implant has not been appropriately integrated, resulting in less stability and a shortened lifespan.
There is a possibility of people having long-term sinus problems post-surgery of sinus lift. This can result in experiencing sinuses that are painful or stuffy or a sinus illness pattern.
Pain regarding sinus lift
A person will not experience any uneasiness at the time of surgery as the use of local anaesthetics is carried out. However, they may feel some discomfort after the surgery is over and the effect of the sedation dosage ends. There can also be a feeling of bruising, swelling of the face, discomfort, and pain in the next three to ten days. To reduce the pain and discomfort, OTC medicine can be taken as prescribed and also antibiotics or painkillers can be used as mentioned.
For the appropriate management of sinus lift pain, it is important for an individual to take definite measures, in addition to the medications that have been prescribed to him/her. Some of these include not rinsing one’s mouth in a forceful way, avoiding the impulse to touch the wound, taking adequate rest, taking foods that are soft during the initial post-surgery days, not smoking for the first five days of the surgery, having sufficient water intake, and using a soft-bristle brush.
Conclusion
The above discussion highlights what is to be expected when a person wants to undergo sinus lift surgery. After the surgery, the person will receive pain medicine and antibiotics from the oral surgeon. It is important to note here that a certain amount of time is needed before dentures are placed by the dental professional. It is also essential to go for check-ups, a week or so after the sinus lift. If there is any type of pain or bleeding, the surgeon should be called without any delay. If you are looking for sinus lift surgery for a dental implant, then you can consult our dental implant clinic in kolkata.