The sinuses are the air spaces in the bones around the nose. The sinuses opening into the nose with small channels are divided into four as buccal sinuses, forehead sinuses, anterior and posterior sinuses between the eyes, and intracranial sinuses. Sinus lifting procedure; It is a dental practice expressed with different names such as sinus lift treatment, sinus lift and sinus augmentation. It is basically applied in two different ways as lateral (open) sinus lifting and internal (closed) sinus lifting.
What is Sinus Lifting?
Individuals have anatomical cavities on the maxilla and molars. These spaces are called maxillary sinuses. The maxillary sinus cavities, especially due to tooth loss, sag downwards, leading to a decrease in bone volume. The collapse caused by the sagging of the sinus layer may reduce the bone height required for implant treatment. The maxillary sinuses, located next to the molars, have a very important function.
Because it takes part in the sound formation of the maxillary sinuses and the reduction of head weight. If the required distance is not sufficient in the area of the molar and premolar teeth in the upper jaw of individuals who need implant treatment, increasing the bone height, that is, sinus lifting, is applied in order to successfully apply the treatment.
Sinus Lifting Treatment
Before the sinus lift treatment, the dentist evaluates the general condition of the patient and creates a treatment plan. In the evaluation of the dentist, the height of the existing maxillary alveolar bone, the presence of sinus floor septums, the anterior-posterior relationship of the maxilla and mandible, the size of the maxillary sinus and sinus maxillaris pathologies are examined. After research and examination with the help of clinical and radiographic techniques, sinus lift treatment is started. Two methods, open lifting and closed lifting are used in the sinus lift operation, which is performed under local anesthesia and is usually completed in twenty minutes.
Lateral (Open) Sinus Lifting
In cases where the individual's alveolar bone height is 1 – 5 mm and therefore not suitable for implant application, lateral (open) sinus lifting is applied. In the open sinus lifting procedure, a rectangular or oval window is opened on the lateral wall of the sinus, starting from the crest apex. At this stage, care is taken not to damage the sinus membrane and live teeth. The graft material is placed in the opened space. Then, the graft is stabilized by placing a membrane on the window and the process is terminated by providing primary closure.
Internal (Close) Sinus Lifting
If the individual's alveolar bone distance is 6 - 8 mm, the sinus lift method used is called internal sinus lifting. In this process, the gingiva is lifted from the bone, then the implant socket is opened with burs. The sinus floor is broken and pushed upwards and the implant is placed in the formed cavity. With internal sinus lifting, 3-4 mm longer implants can be applied. After the procedure, the operation area is closed with stitches and the process is completed.
Recovery After Sinus Lifting
Sinus lifting operation is a dental practice applied under local anesthesia to bring the sinus area into a suitable condition for implantation. After the completion of the procedure, recovery is observed in 6-12 months. Periodic antibiotics are used after the sinus lifting procedure. During the recovery period, regular radiographs are taken from the patient. With the radiographs taken, the height, width, etc. of the newly formed bone are evaluated.
Sinus lifting is a practical application that does not cause any harm if the operation is successfully performed, and the patient does not feel pain or pain. However, it is necessary to consult an experienced and professional dentist in order for the procedure to yield successful results. Otherwise, it is possible to develop various complications due to the unprofessional execution of the procedure. Therefore, it is important for a successful dentist to apply sinus lifting treatment in a clinical and sterile environment.
