What Is Sinus Lifting Surgery? In Which Cases Is It Performed?
After tooth loss in the posterior regions of the upper jaw, bone volume may decrease over time and the sinus cavities may expand downward. This situation leads to insufficient bone support for dental implant applications. In such cases, sinus lifting surgery is a safe and effective procedure performed to create the necessary bone height for implant placement.
Sinus lifting is an important part of modern implantology and offers high success rates when performed with correct indications and appropriate surgical techniques.
What Is Sinus Lifting?
Sinus lifting is a surgical procedure in which the floor of the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw is carefully elevated and bone graft material is placed into the created space. The aim is to reconstruct sufficient bone volume so that the implant can be securely anchored.
This procedure is generally performed in patients who are planning to receive implants in the posterior upper jaw regions.
Why Is Sinus Lifting Necessary?
Bone loss in the upper jaw may occur due to:
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Long-term tooth loss
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Bone resorption after tooth extraction
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Congenital insufficient bone height
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Anatomically large sinus cavities
When bone height is not sufficient for implant placement, sinus lifting becomes necessary to improve implant success.
In Which Situations Is Sinus Lifting Performed?
Sinus lifting surgery is preferred in the following situations:
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When there is insufficient bone height for implant placement in the posterior upper jaw
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When sinus cavities are too close to the implant site
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When implant treatment is planned together with bone grafting
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When strong bone support is required for fixed prostheses
Suitability is determined through detailed radiological examination for each patient.
What Are the Types of Sinus Lifting?
Sinus lifting procedures are performed using two main techniques:
1. Closed (Internal) Sinus Lifting
If bone height is slightly insufficient, the sinus floor is elevated during implant placement in the same session and graft material is added. It is a more minimally invasive method.
2. Open (Lateral) Sinus Lifting
If bone height is severely insufficient, a surgical window is opened from the lateral sinus wall, the sinus membrane is lifted, and bone graft is placed. After bone formation is completed, the implant is placed.
Which technique will be used is determined according to the amount of bone and the patient’s anatomical structure.
Recovery Process After Sinus Lifting
After the procedure, mild swelling, tenderness, and a feeling of fullness in the nasal area may be observed. These symptoms usually decrease within a few days. During the healing process:
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Blowing the nose should be avoided
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Heavy physical activities should be avoided
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Prescribed medications should be taken regularly
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Follow-up appointments should be attended
Bone formation usually takes several months, after which implant placement can be safely performed.
How Does Sinus Lifting Affect Implant Success?
When sufficient bone volume is created, implant stability increases and long-term success rates improve. Sinus lifting allows implants to be placed in the correct position safely, positively affecting both functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Is Sinus Lifting a Safe Procedure?
When performed by experienced physicians with proper patient selection and modern surgical techniques, sinus lifting is a safe procedure. Today, thanks to advanced imaging systems and biocompatible graft materials, the risk of complications is quite low.
