Sinus Lift Procedure: Preparation Process When the Upper Jaw Bone Is Insufficient

Chief Director Lee Jang-uk

Hello,

This is Etoile de Seoul Dental Clinic.

Today, I’d like to explain sinus lift procedures in detail, since many people are curious about them.

If you were planning for implants and were told that “there isn’t enough bone in the upper jaw,” you may feel lost and worried after hearing unfamiliar terms and explanations about a complicated process.

Many people probably lose sleep over thoughts like, “Is it really a safe method?”, “How long will recovery take?”, and “How much will it cost?”

I prepared this post to share information that may help those who are facing various concerns.

We take care of your dental health.

Sinus lift procedure

When the upper jaw bone is insufficient

Preparation process

What is a sinus lift procedure?

Put simply, you can think of it as a method that reinforces the bone in an area where the upper jaw bone is insufficient.

At the back of our upper jaw is a space called the maxillary sinus, and it is an empty space, much like a room inside a house.

If you go for a long time without teeth, the jawbone gradually decreases, and this maxillary sinus becomes larger.

To place an implant, sufficient bone height and thickness are needed. If there is not enough bone, there is a risk that the implant may enter the maxillary sinus.

At this time, gently lifting the membrane of the maxillary sinus and filling the space with bone graft material to create bone is what a sinus lift procedure does.

It may be easier to understand if you think of it as the same principle as strengthening a house’s foundation.

This method is mainly needed when the bone height in the upper molar area is insufficient, typically 8 mm or less.

If the amount of bone is not sufficient, the implant may not be firmly stabilized.

Procedure methods

There are broadly two methods for sinus lift procedures.

These are the lateral approach and the crestal approach, and let’s look at the features of each.

The lateral approach accesses the area through the gum on the side of the upper jaw and is mainly used when there is a significant lack of bone.

This method has the advantage of allowing the sinus membrane to be lifted over a wider area, making it possible to place a larger amount of bone graft material.

However, recovery takes a bit longer, and implant placement is often performed after the bone has sufficiently settled.

The crestal approach directly accesses the implant site and is applied when the bone deficiency is not severe.

Its biggest advantage is that it can be performed at the same time as implant placement.

Recovery is relatively faster, and the burden on the patient may also be relatively lower.

Which method is chosen depends on a comprehensive consideration of the individual’s bone condition, the amount of bone deficiency, and the overall oral condition.

After assessing the bone condition through a 3D CT scan, the most suitable method is recommended.

Preparation process and care for a sinus lift procedure

A thorough preparation is needed before the procedure.

First, a 3D CT scan is used to examine the condition of the maxillary sinus, the density and height of the bone, and the surrounding structures in detail.

If problems such as inflammation in the maxillary sinus or a deviated septum are found during this process, treatment should be done first through consultation with an otolaryngologist.

The condition inside the mouth is also important.

If there is gum disease or cavities, treatment must be completed first, and overall physical health should also be checked.

If you have chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it is necessary to confirm that they are well controlled.

We recommend quitting smoking and drinking for about two weeks before the procedure.

This is because smoking negatively affects bone formation and increases the risk of infection.

If you are taking medications such as aspirin or blood circulation improvers, you may need to temporarily stop them to reduce the risk of bleeding.

Care after the procedure is also very important.

For the first few days, avoid blowing your nose forcefully or sneezing hard.

This is because the maxillary sinus membrane has not yet stabilized and is sensitive to pressure changes.

Also avoid hard or hot foods, and eat mostly soft foods.

Swelling and bruising are natural reactions, so please do not worry too much. Applying an ice pack also helps reduce swelling.

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication as instructed, and pay attention to oral hygiene.

Real concerns and solutions

"If I get a sinus lift procedure, won’t my nose get blocked?" Many people are truly concerned about this.

A sinus lift procedure is performed in a space separate from the nose, so it does not affect nasal function.

However, for a few days right after the procedure, your nose may temporarily feel congested, but this is due to swelling and will naturally improve over time.

We also often hear concerns like, "Isn’t bone graft material harmful to the body?"

The bone graft materials currently used have been proven safe through long-term research and clinical experience and are materials used in practice.

There are various types, such as autograft, allograft, xenograft, and synthetic bone, and the most suitable material is selected by considering the advantages and disadvantages of each.

"When can I return to normal life?"

Although this varies from person to person, most people can return to daily life after about one week.

However, it is better to avoid strenuous exercise or saunas for about a month.

It takes about 3 to 6 months for the bone to fully settle.

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Frequently asked questions

"When can implants be placed after a sinus lift procedure?"

It depends on the type of bone graft material and the individual’s healing ability, but implant placement is usually possible after 3 to 6 months.

In cases performed with the lateral approach, it is common to wait for enough healing time before placing the implant, while with the crestal approach, it may be performed at the same time.

Through regular checkups, the condition of the bone is assessed and the most appropriate timing is determined.

"How much does it cost?"

The cost of a sinus lift procedure varies depending on the method used, the materials used, and the amount of bone to be grafted.

In general, the lateral approach tends to be more expensive than the crestal approach. However, the exact cost can only be explained after a detailed examination of the individual’s condition.

When planning treatment, we also explain the cost in detail, so please do not hesitate to contact us anytime.

"Are there any foods I should avoid after a sinus lift procedure?"

Immediately afterward, it is best to avoid hot and hard foods.

Eat mostly soups, porridge, and soft side dishes, and even cold foods should be eaten at a moderate temperature if they are too cold and irritating.

In particular, please avoid using straws, as the sucking motion can place pressure on the maxillary sinus.

After about two weeks, you can gradually return to a normal diet, but we recommend avoiding very hard foods for about a month.

Advice from the heart

You may have had many concerns about sinus lift procedures. Do you feel a little more at ease now?

At first, it may seem complicated and difficult, but with sufficient preparation and proper care, good results can be achieved.

Above all, trust and communication are most important.

If you have any questions or worries, please feel free to let us know anytime.

We will explain every small detail carefully and help ensure that you can receive treatment with peace of mind.

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