Magaok Station Dental Clinic_2. Sinus Lift Crestal Approach: When and How Is It Performed?

Hello,

This is Seoul Dia Dental Clinic at Magok Station, where we build a strong foundation from the basics.

Last time, we talked about what a sinus lift is

and in what cases it is needed. Do you remember?

If your memory is a little fuzzy... shall we do a quick review?

When people think of implants, they usually picture

an artificial screw being placed in place of a tooth root,

but especially for upper molar implants, there is one more hidden condition.

That is the ‘bone height’ and the position of the maxillary sinus.

Magok Station Dental Clinic_ Maxillary Sinus

The maxillary sinus is a small air-filled cavity located inside the upper jawbone on both sides of the nose.

It is lined with a thin membrane, helps resonate sound,

regulates air temperature and humidity, and filters dust.

It may seem quiet on the surface, but it is actually a very important space.

The problem is that as we age or leave a tooth extraction site untreated for a long time,

the maxillary sinus gradually descends,

and the jawbone underneath becomes thinner, leaving no space for an implant.

That is when a sinus lift becomes necessary.

A sinus lift is broadly divided into two methods: the crestal approach and the lateral approach.

Today, we will take a detailed look at the

‘crestal approach,’ which is somewhat simpler and allows for faster recovery.

What is the crestal approach?

Magok Station Dental Clinic_ Crestal Approach

The crestal approach is a method in which a small hole is made from the top of the gum where the implant will be placed, that is, the area where the tooth used to be,

and through that hole, the thin membrane of the maxillary sinus is gently lifted,

then the bone graft material is placed underneath.

Simply put, space is created by gently pushing upward from above,

and then the foundation for bone is built in that gap.

When is the crestal approach used?

Magok Station Dental Clinic_ Remaining gum bone height is about 4 mm or more

When the remaining gum bone height is about 4 mm or more,

when the bone width is narrow and a large incision is not necessary, and

when only one or two implants are being placed,

this is the method most often chosen when the bone is not extremely thin or severely insufficient,

but the sinus needs to be lifted slightly for stability.

Advantages and disadvantages of the crestal approach

Magok Station Dia Dental Clinic_ Sinus Lift

The appeal of the crestal approach is, above all,

that it is “less burdensome and offers faster recovery.”

Because it is performed without a large incision and only the necessary area is opened slightly,

the wound is smaller and pain or swelling is minimized.

Since the surgical area is smaller than with the lateral approach,

the cost burden is also lower, making it economically reasonable as well.

However, nothing in this world has only advantages.

Because the hole created in the crestal approach is small, the surgical field is narrow,

which makes it difficult for instruments to move in and out freely.

So in situations requiring delicate manipulation, the level of difficulty increases significantly.

Also, it is worth remembering that there is a limit to placing multiple implants at once.

The crestal approach, performed like this

Magok Station Dental Clinic_ Crestal Approach Procedure

1. Make a small incision in the gum

A small incision is made in the gum at the implant placement site.

Because it is not a large incision, the burden is low.

2. Create a small hole in the bone

A small hole is carefully made in the bone at the incised area.

This hole becomes the pathway to the maxillary sinus.

3. Lift the sinus membrane and fill the space with bone graft material

Through the hole, the thin membrane of the maxillary sinus (mucosa) is gently pushed upward.

The space created by lifting is then filled with bone graft material.

Over time, this material changes into new bone and becomes a strong foundation that supports the implant.

4. Place the implant or suture

If sufficient bone height has been secured, the implant is placed right away,

and if not, the area is sutured and the next step proceeds after a healing period.

Although the crestal approach is described as “simple,”

it is actually a precise procedure that requires delicate hand skill,

as the membrane must be lifted carefully through a small hole.

Even a slight lack of caution can damage the sinus membrane,

so choosing a medical team with extensive experience and know-how is especially important.

At Seoul Dia Dental Clinic, we use precise 3D-CT diagnosis to

accurately measure the remaining bone height and width,

propose the optimal surgical method based on the situation,

and carefully manage postoperative care as well.

Magok Station Dia Dental Clinic Consultation

If you are considering implants,

and if you are worried about the bone condition in the upper molar area,

please start with an accurate examination.

Seoul Dia Dental Clinic will clearly guide you on whether the crestal approach is needed among sinus lift procedures,

or whether another method is more appropriate.

[ This post has been written in accordance with the Medical Service Act for the purpose of providing accurate information about dental surgeries and procedures. Since infection and side effects may occur after surgery, you should decide on surgery (or treatment) after sufficient consultation with a skilled medical team. ]

[ Magok Station Dia Dental Clinic Sinus Lift Series ]

1. Indications for Sinus Lift

2. Sinus Lift Methods (Crestal Approach)

3. Sinus Lift Methods (Lateral Approach)

4. Sinus Lift Cost8

5. Sinus Lift Post-Procedure Precautions