Understanding Sinus Lifts (Maxillary Sinus Augmentation)

Have you heard of a sinus lift? It might sound complex, but it\’s a vital procedure for many patients needing dental implants in their upper jaw. Let\’s break it down.

Why is it needed? When upper molars are lost, the sinus cavity above them can expand, leaving insufficient bone for implants. This is called ‘sinus pneumatization’.

Schematic diagram of classification of maxillary sinus pneumatization. A Type I normal pneumatization; B and C Type II extensive pneumatization. Yellow dashed line: horizontal line at the sinus floor; blue dashed line: horizontal line at the root apex; white double-headed arrow: distance between the sinus floor and the root apex. *

The Solution: A Sinus Lift

• The Challenge: We need to create more bone height.
• Two Approaches:
  • Internal Approach: A minimally invasive method ideal for smaller bone grafts. However, it’s a ‘blind’ technique, increasing the risk of membrane tears.

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• Lateral (External) Approach: For larger grafts, we access the sinus through a small window in the cheek. While more involved, it provides better visibility and control.

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Patient Cases:

• Case 1: A 48-year-old male needing extensive work on both sides. We performed lateral sinus lifts and placed four implants.

• Case 2: A 64-year-old female with poor bone quality. We opted for a staged approach: sinus lift first, followed by implant placement after six months of healing.

The Outcome: While a sinus lift may sound daunting, when performed correctly, it’s a predictable and successful procedure. We prioritize patient comfort and achieving optimal results.

Boston Finesse Dentistry & Implant Center

183 Essex St, Boston MA 02111

617-286-6515 (Call/Text)

SLee@BostonImplant.com

_{* Wu, X., Cai, Q., Huang, D. et al. Cone-beam computed tomography-based analysis of maxillary sinus pneumatization extended into the alveolar process in different age groups. BMC Oral Health 22, 393 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-022-02445-2}