Bone augmentation in upper jaw – in other words: Sinus lift
If the jaw is too thin on the territory of the side teeth of the upper jaw, you need to lift the base of the maxillary sinus. This surgical procedure is called the sinus lift. Owing to this procedure the amount of bone in the posterior maxilla increases and the dental implant can be directly placed.
The “sinus floor augmentation”, aka “sinus lift” is a procedure to level out the too little bone substance in the upper jaw. The problem of limited bone supply may occur because the maxillary sinuses get larger and continuously extend in the upper jaw bone as we get older.
Dentists also use this solution when the jaw ridge is too narrow.
In this article you will get answers to the following:
- Bone filling – bone graft procedure
- When is a sinus lift necessary?
- Materials for bone augmentation – What options are available?
- What is the procedure of a sinus lift operation?
- Is there any pain?
- Where can the jawbone augmentation be carried out?
Bone filling – bone graft procedure
Bone destruction arising from permanent tooth loss, in case of diseases of the periodontium or any other atrophy it can occur that there is no bone tissue with optimal quantity and quality on the area of the dental implant. Nowadays the most modern processes facilitate the bone grafting procedure in order to reach optimal results.
The sinus lift technique is a surgical procedure on the posterior maxilla, a vertical bone graft process. By this, we can reverse the serious osteoporosis of unused surfaces due to lost or loose tooth (teeth) or diseases. After the procedure, the maxilla is able to keep the dental implant, it becomes loadable again.
When is a sinus lift necessary?
In successful implantation, the quality of the bone plays the most important role. The bone must have a very good substance, as the artificial tooth root is embedded in the bone. The implant has to join with the surrounding bone. Therefore it is important that the jaw ridge has enough substance so that the implant can grow together with the bone.
Materials for bone augmentation – What options are available?
Autologous bone can be recovered sufficiently from different parts of the body. There is no risk of infection for the patient and therefore the body’s own bone is superior to all other materials.
Natural bone substitute materials are obtained from animals (bone and connective tissues). Natural bone replacement materials are suitable for the filling of smaller jaw defects, or an addition to the patient’s own bone.
Synthetic bone substitute materials consist of ceramics based on calcium. They are produced as granules. Due to their moderate stability, dentists only use them to correct smaller jaw defects.
Your dentist will determine the right material for your case in the base of the results of the necessary clinical and radiological examinations.
What is the procedure of a sinus lift operation?
In most cases, the dentist performs the sinus lift surgery under local anaesthesia. The dentist lifts the sinus floor, carefully detaches the mucous membrane and pushes it upwards. This results in a deepening between the mucous membrane and alveolar ridge. The dentist fills this void with bone graft material or with the patient’s own bone.
In some cases, the dentist can carry out the sinus lift and the placement of implants in the same session, but oftentimes there is a healing period of 3 to 6 months between the two procedures.
Is there any pain?
You may experience some pain after the effect of the anaesthesia wears off. Your dentist will recommend suitable painkillers (mostly: Ibuprofen 400) for any eventual discomfort and pain. You must avoid medications containing ASA (acetylsalicylic acid), as aspirin, as they cause or enhance bleeding. If your doctor has prescribed you antibiotics, take the medication as prescribed, even if you have no complaints whatsoever.
Where can the jawbone augmentation be carried out?
In principle, there are only a few places in Europe where dental surgeons perform the surgery for jaw bone grafting. Hungary is one of the most famous places of internationally renowned dental treatments. A dental treatment in Hungary is exceptionally reliable because of our excellent and well-trained doctors. Furthermore, it is important to know that dental tourism in Hungary is well developed and organized, so that patients can travel back home with the greatest satisfaction about their teeth.
The cost of a sinus lift in Hungary is around 550 £.
