Sinus Lift
Scarsdale, Mt. Kisco, and Briarcliff Manor, NY
Sinus Lifts provided by Dr. Gary Orentlicher and Dr. Andrew Horowitz in Scarsdale & Mt. Kisco, NY at New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery
 The first sinus lift surgery was successfully performed in 1975 at an Alabama facility to allow proper placement of two dental implants. Though considered revolutionary at the time, it has become quite common in today's oral surgery arena. With over a 95% success rate of implant placements when performed in conjunction with a sinus lift, this is considered a very reliable surgical option.
What is a Sinus Lift?
The sinus lift procedure is typically focused on the back teeth of the patient's mouth, between the molar and premolar area, where additional bone mass is needed. The procedure involves lifting the sinus membranes into a proper position, ensuring there is enough space to add the bone graft. This process is recommended in numerous situations and is relatively simple and quick to perform. Let us know at New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery if you are interested in finding out more about a sinus lift procedure.
When is it Necessary to get a Sinus Lift?
The underlying need to get a sinus lift can exist for quite some time but not be required until the need for surgery arises. Many patients have thin sinus membranes and limited bone structure between the jawbone and the sinus cavity which can function just fine without intervention. However, when the need to place dental implants arises, bone mass needs to be appropriate for a successful placement. This is when the procedure needs to be performed.
Advanced periodontal disease can cause bone deterioration and bone absorption can occur when there is significant tooth loss, both of which would be indicative that a sinus lift is necessary. Also, some people may have minimal bone tissue between the upper jaw and the sinus cavity simply due to genetics. The determination of whether the procedure is necessary falls directly to our office staff. Each situation requires analysis and discussion before being recommended.
What is Involved in a Sinus Lift?
The bone material necessary to perform a sinus lift can come from many different sources as long as it meets the requirements and is deemed capable of fusing with the existing bone structure. In most cases, bone material can be simply drawn from the patient themselves, taken from their chin or a healthy area of their jaw. It is also quite common for an equine bone to be used because it is more resilient than human bone and has less chances of deteriorating.
Utilizing x-ray imaging, our staff can identify the best area to apply the grafting material. The first step is to identify the bone and expose it by making an incision in the space where the missing teeth were. Once that is done, a hole is drilled in the bone where a small piece of bone can be drawn into the sinus opening. The bone graft is then used to close the hole. Once the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed so no bone remains exposed.
Subantral Augmentation
Subantral augmentation refers to the process of increasing the height or volume of the subantral space beneath the sinus membrane within the maxillary sinus. This augmentation is typically done to create additional bone height and density in the posterior maxilla, particularly in cases where the existing bone height is insufficient to support dental implants.
Subantral augmentation is often performed in conjunction with sinus lift surgery to enhance the success and predictability of dental implant placement in the posterior maxilla, where bone volume and density may be compromised due to sinus pneumatization or bone resorption. The goal of subantral augmentation is to optimize bone quantity and quality to support long-term implant stability and function.
Osteotome Technique
The osteotome technique, also known as the osteotome sinus floor elevation technique, is a method used in sinus lift procedures to increase the bone height in the posterior maxilla (upper jaw) to facilitate the placement of dental implants. This technique is particularly beneficial when there is limited bone height in the posterior maxilla due to sinus pneumatization or bone resorption.
In the osteotome technique, after accessing the maxillary sinus through a small incision in the gum tissue, a series of specially designed instruments called osteotomes are used to gently elevate the sinus membrane from the sinus floor. These osteotomes are typically mallet-driven chisels or drills with flat, tapered ends.
The osteotomes are carefully tapped into the bone, creating small channels or spaces between the sinus floor and the membrane. As the osteotomes are gradually advanced, they compact the bone beneath the sinus floor and lift the sinus membrane upward. This process effectively creates additional space or void within the subantral area of the maxilla.
Crestal Approach
The crestal approach, also known as the osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) technique or the internal sinus lift, is a minimally invasive method used in sinus lift procedures to augment the bone height in the posterior maxilla (upper jaw) for dental implant placement.
In the crestal approach, the sinus floor elevation is performed through a small opening made in the crest (top) of the alveolar ridge, which is the bone ridge that supports the teeth. This approach is in contrast to the traditional lateral window technique, where a larger window is created in the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus to access and elevate the sinus membrane.
Lateral Window Approach
The lateral window approach, also known as the lateral window sinus augmentation or lateral window sinus lift, is a surgical technique used to augment the bone volume in the posterior maxilla (upper jaw) to facilitate the placement of dental implants. This procedure is commonly performed when the available bone height in the posterior maxilla is insufficient due to sinus pneumatization (expansion) or bone resorption following tooth loss.
In the lateral window approach, the sinus floor elevation is achieved by accessing the maxillary sinus through a lateral window created in the buccal (cheek) or palatal (roof of the mouth) aspect of the maxilla. This approach allows direct visualization and manipulation of the sinus membrane, enabling the elevation of the membrane and subsequent placement of bone graft material.
Recovery After a Sinus Lift
There are certain behaviors patients should avoid following a sinus lift procedure. Blowing the noise should be avoided as should sneezing whenever possible. Full recovery can take up to 12 months.
Have Questions?
Come to our office at New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery or call (914) 472-0100 with questions about the sinus lift procedure.
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