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SINUS ELEVATION

Why is sinus elevation treatment needed?
Maxillary molar and premolar teeth (upper back teeth) are some of the most commonly lost teeth due to cavities and gum disease.  Dental implants are a great treatment option to replace these missing teeth, but implants require a certain amount of vertical bone height for placement.  Unfortunately, the maxillary sinuses are located near the roots of upper back teeth and the maxillary sinuses tend to expand and enlarge when teeth are lost in this area.  If vertical bone is insufficient for implant placement, the maxillary sinus can be repositioned, or elevated to allow for implant placement.  The procedure is very predictable and has a very high success rate.

What is sinus elevation treatment?
Sinus elevation treatment is generally completed at the time of implant placement and is an extra step in the implant treatment sequence.  After the implant site is prepared, bone graft is used to push the sinus up to allow more room for implant placement.  Once the sinus is pushed up, the implant is inserted and treatment is complete.  A certain amount of natural bone is needed to engage the dental implant.  If there is not enough natural bone, the sinus is elevated and a few weeks of healing are required before a second procedure to then place the implant.

Is sinus elevation safe and does it affect sinus function?
Sinus elevation is very safe and does not affect sinus function.  The amount of elevation needed for implant placement is usually only a few millimeters and less than 10% of sinus volume.  The sinus is like an air filled balloon that is usually empty.   The sinus collects mucous and fluid drainage like a water retention pond in flood prone areas and then returns to a normal air filled space.  A very small percentage of elevations result in sinus perforations.  These small openings in the sinus membrane heal quickly and safely and still allow elevation and implant placement after a few weeks of healing.

How does the sinus elevation procedure create room for a dental implant?
The sinus is elevated using bone graft and a tapping motion.  The tapping motion pushes the sinus up and bone graft fills the void that is created.  Like using a tent pole to raise a tent, bone graft repositions the sinus membrane and allows implant placement below the sinus.  The sinus is like a balloon and can be reshaped and repositioned.

In areas requiring multiple implants, or areas with no natural bone, sinus elevation may be needed in a separate appointment prior to implant treatment.  Sinus elevation in these cases requires increased sinus elevation and a longer period of healing before implant placement.