Apgujeong Station Dental Clinic: If You’re Worried About a Sinus Lift, Please Read This

Hello, today I’d like to explain the “sinus lift” at an Apgujeong Station dental clinic.

“I'm planning to get an upper implant, but they say there isn't enough bone.”

“They say I need a sinus lift… it’s scary, and I’m wondering if it’s really necessary.”

These are things we hear very often in the clinic.

Many people are startled when they first hear the term “sinus lift” while planning an upper implant.

Even the name can feel difficult and intimidating.

Today, I’d like to talk about it gently, in hopes of easing that hesitation a little.^^

What exactly is a sinus lift?

First, let me explain what the sinus is.

Right above the roots of the upper molars, there is an empty space next to the nose. This is medically called the “maxillary sinus.” Simply put, it’s like a natural air room next to the nose.

A sinus lift is a procedure that lifts this thin floor (the floor of the maxillary sinus) and places artificial bone underneath it. If the bone is too thin, the implant won’t have enough support.

It may be easier to understand if you look at the area where bone is placed in the figure below.

Because the bone is thin, the sinus “membrane” is lifted and artificial bone is placed

Why is this procedure needed only in the upper jaw?

You rarely hear this when getting an implant in the lower jaw.

The reason is simple.

The maxillary sinus exists only above the upper molars.

After a tooth is extracted,

over time, the bone naturally resorbs.

Just as muscles that are not used gradually become thinner, bone that doesn’t receive stimulation also decreases.

So the longer it’s been since extraction, the greater the chance that bone height will be insufficient. In the end, there isn’t enough space to place the implant, so the bone has to be built up first.

One common misunderstanding — let me clarify it

“Sinus lift is supposed to be a huge surgery, right?”

That statement is partly right and partly wrong.

There are two methods for a sinus lift.

Lateral approach vs. crestal approach

Category	Lateral approach	Crestal approach
Method	Access through a small opening made beside the gum	Access through the implant placement hole
Indication	When there is a significant lack of bone	When there is a slight lack of bone
Surgical scale	Relatively larger	Relatively simple
Recovery period	May be somewhat longer	Relatively faster

If only a small amount of bone is lacking, it can sometimes be done at the same time as implant placement.

In such cases, patients usually don’t feel that it is a separate major surgery.

On the other hand, for patients with a significant lack of bone, the bone is sufficiently augmented using the lateral approach, then the implant is placed after waiting about 3 to 6 months for the bone to settle.

In that case, it becomes a two-step surgery.

It may be easier to understand if you compare it to building a house.

If the ground is fairly solid, you can set up the pillars right away,

but if the ground is weak, you first reinforce the foundation before building.

It’s a good idea to be cautious of places that try to scare you by saying it is always a major surgery, or places that say it is always simple.

Who needs this procedure?

• People who had their upper molars extracted a long time ago
• People who were told that the bone height is insufficient for upper implants
• People who need reoperation because a previous implant failed

On the other hand, in these cases, other treatment may be needed first before a sinus lift.

• If there is inflammation in the sinus area, such as sinusitis
• If there is an uncontrolled systemic disease
• If the person smokes heavily (this affects bone graft success rates)

If these factors are not carefully checked, the risk of complications after the procedure may increase. That is why a CT scan and an overall health evaluation must come first.

Important things to check before the procedure

Before performing a sinus lift, a detailed 3D CT scan must be done first.

After three-dimensionally checking the thickness of the sinus membrane, the height of the remaining bone, and the condition near the nose, the appropriate approach must be determined.

If you want no regrets after the procedure, the pre-treatment diagnosis must be thorough.

Thorough pre-treatment diagnosis is important

Post-procedure care is also important

After a sinus lift, there are a few precautions.

• Do not blow your nose forcefully — this puts pressure on the sinus membrane
• Avoid using a straw — negative pressure can affect the graft area
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 2 to 3 weeks
• Take the prescribed medication exactly as instructed
• Stop smoking for at least 2 weeks, and longer if possible

Just as flowers need proper watering after planting to take root,

the early care of the grafted bone also affects how well it settles.

Information comes before fear

If you’ve been looking into several dental clinics around Apgujeong Station and have been deeply worried because of the sinus lift, I completely understand.

I know very well that it’s not that you want to delay it just to delay it.

But rather than worrying vaguely without an accurate diagnosis, getting a CT scan even once will likely put your mind much more at ease.

Just because there isn’t enough bone doesn’t mean you can’t get an implant.

It just means one additional method is needed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask anytime.

If you already have a CT scan, bring it with you and we can consult right away.^^ I believe this will definitely be helpful. This was Ceramick Dental Clinic.

Thank you.