Sinus Lift at Polygems Dental Care

What is Sinus Lift?

Sinus lift is a surgical procedure that aims to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw, in the area of the back teeth, by lifting the sinus membrane and placing a bone graft. The sinus membrane is the lining of the maxillary sinus, which is an air-filled cavity above the upper jaw. By lifting the sinus membrane and grafting bone underneath, there is more bone available to support dental implants.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They provide a stable and natural-looking solution for tooth loss. However, dental implants require sufficient bone to anchor them securely. If there is not enough bone in the upper jaw, due to tooth loss, gum disease, or other factors, the implants may fail or cause complications.

Sinus lift can help create enough bone for dental implants in the upper jaw, especially in the area of the molars and premolars. Sinus lift can also improve the health and function of the sinus and prevent infections.

Why Do You Need Sinus Lift?

You may need sinus lift if you want to have dental implants in the upper jaw but do not have enough bone to support them. Some of the reasons why you may have insufficient bone in the upper jaw are:

• Long-term tooth loss without replacement
• Bone resorption due to aging or osteoporosis
• Large or low-positioned maxillary sinus
• Trauma or injury to the jaw
• Previous surgery or infection in the sinus

If you have any of these conditions, your dentist at Polygems Dental Care will evaluate your jawbone and sinus using X-rays or CT scans and determine if you need sinus lift before placing dental implants.

How is Sinus Lift Performed?

Sinus lift is performed by a qualified dentist or oral surgeon at Polygems Dental Care. The procedure usually takes one to two hours and is done under local anesthesia, which means you will not feel any pain during the surgery. The steps involved in sinus lift are:

• The dentist will make an incision on your gum tissue above your upper back teeth and expose the underlying bone.
• The dentist will create a small window on the bone and gently push up the sinus membrane to create a space for the bone graft.
• The dentist will fill the space with a bone graft material, which can be from your own body, from a donor, from an animal source, or from a synthetic substance.
• The dentist will close the incision with stitches and cover it with a bandage.
• The dentist will prescribe antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent infection and reduce swelling and discomfort.
• The dentist will advise you on how to care for your wound and avoid activities that may disturb the healing process.

What are the Benefits and Risks of Sinus Lift?

The benefits of sinus lift are:

• It creates enough bone for dental implants in the upper jaw
• It improves the success rate and longevity of dental implants
• It enhances the appearance and function of your teeth and smile
• It prevents sinus problems and infections

The risks of sinus lift are:

• There may be some bleeding, bruising, swelling, or pain after the surgery
• There may be some complications during or after the surgery, such as infection, inflammation, nerve damage, or graft failure
• There may be some allergic reactions or rejection of the bone graft material
• There may be some perforation or tearing of the sinus membrane

How Much Does Sinus Lift Cost?

The cost of sinus lift depends on several factors, such as:

• The type and amount of bone graft material used
• The complexity and duration of the procedure
• The experience and qualifications of the dentist or oral surgeon
• The location and reputation of the dental clinic

Can I Use MediSave Pay for Sinus Lift?

Yes, you can use MediSave to pay for a portion of your Sinus Lift procedure.

Can I Use CHAS subsidies for Sinus Lift?

No, you cannot at the point of publishing. For updated information, head to www.chas.sg

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about sinus lift:

Is sinus lift painful?

No, sinus lift is not painful as it is done under local anesthesia. You may feel some pressure or vibration during the surgery, but you will not feel any pain. After the surgery, you may have some mild pain or discomfort for a few days, which can be relieved with painkillers and ice packs.

How long does sinus lift take?

The duration of sinus lift depends on the amount of bone graft material that is used and the technique that is employed. Generally, sinus lift takes one to two hours to complete.

How long does it take to heal after sinus lift?

The healing time after sinus lift varies from person to person and depends on the type of bone graft material that is used and the quality of your bone and sinus. Generally, it takes about six to nine months for the bone graft to fuse with your natural bone and become ready for dental implants.

What are the do’s and don’ts after sinus lift?

After sinus lift, you should follow these do’s and don’ts to ensure a smooth recovery:

• Do take your prescribed medications as instructed by your dentist
• Do apply ice packs to your cheek to reduce swelling and pain
• Do eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids
• Do keep your mouth clean by rinsing gently with warm salt water
• Do visit your dentist for regular check-ups and follow-ups
• Don’t blow your nose or sneeze forcefully as this may dislodge the bone graft or tear the sinus membrane
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol as this may impair healing and cause infection
• Don’t brush or floss the surgical site until it is healed
• Don’t eat hard, sticky, or spicy foods that may irritate the wound

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