Understanding the Sinus Lift Procedure: Creating a Strong Foundation for Your Smile at Adelaide Gum Doctor

Sinuses are air-filled spaces located in your cheekbones, above your upper back teeth. They play a role in humidifying the air you breathe and making your skull lighter.

When upper back teeth are lost, the bone in that area can gradually resorb or shrink over time. Additionally, the maxillary sinus floor is naturally located close to the roots of these upper back teeth. In some cases, there simply isn't enough bone height between the sinus floor and the upper jaw to securely place dental implants.

A sinus lift procedure gently addresses this issue by increasing the amount of bone in the upper jaw, specifically in the area of your molars and premolars. This creates a stable and adequate foundation for the successful placement of dental implants.

At Adelaide Gum Doctor, our specialist periodontist, Dr. Leo Lander, has extensive experience in performing sinus lift procedures. He utilizes meticulous techniques and prioritizes patient comfort throughout the process. Here's a general overview of what you can expect:

1. Thorough Examination and Planning: 3D cone-beam CT scans precisely assess bone, sinus location, and guide planning.
2. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia and sedation options (oral or IV) are available for a relaxed, pain-free experience.
3. Accessing the Sinus: A small incision in the gum allows gentle access to underlying bone.
4. Lifting the Sinus Membrane: The thin sinus membrane is carefully elevated.
5. Bone Grafting: Graft material (natural, synthetic, or combined) is placed to create new bone volume.
6. Closure: The gum tissue is sutured with care.
7. Healing Period: Several months for integration; once sufficient bone forms, implants can be placed.

In some specific situations, if all conditions are favourable, an implant can be inserted at the same time as sinus augmentation to minimize the number of surgical interventions required.

• Increased Bone Height: Creates sufficient bone to support implants in the upper back jaw.
• Improved Implant Stability: Helps long-term success of your implants.
• Restored Function & Aesthetics: Regain confident chewing, speaking, and a natural-looking smile.
• Helps Prevent Further Bone Loss: Implants in augmented bone can stabilize the area.

• Avoid blowing your nose. Gently dab or wipe instead.
• Do not sneeze through your nose. Sneeze with your mouth open.
• Avoid strenuous activity & heavy lifting. No flying/diving or vigorous exercise.
• Keep your head elevated when resting or sleeping.
• Take medications as prescribed (antibiotics, pain relief).
• Maintain a soft diet and gradually reintroduce firmer foods.
• Avoid using straws to prevent negative pressure.
• Be gentle when brushing near the surgical site.
• Avoid irritants such as smoking and strong fumes/allergens.
• Manage congestion only as advised. Ask before using sprays/decongestants.
• Report issues promptly (unusual pain, heavy bleeding, significant swelling).