If the jawbone has receded due to missing teeth, a permanent dental prosthesis in the form of implants is only possible after the bone has been rebuilt. However, such bone augmentation ("sinus lift") not only prepares the jawbone for the insertion of implants, but also counteracts further loss and stimulates its growth. We will be happy to explain the exact procedure to you and answer all your questions about the sinus lift in a personal consultation. Simply make a non-binding appointment at our dental practice in Zurich. We are happy to be there for you!
Frequently asked questions about sinus lift
When is a sinus lift needed?
A sinus lift is used when the maxillary posterior bone has receded so much that there is no longer enough bone to insert dental implants stably and safely. If the available bone substance is not sufficient, the majority of the implants would be located in the (air-filled) maxillary sinus. However, they do not find sufficient support there.
What material is used for bone augmentation?
There are various materials that are suitable as bone replacement material:
- Autogenous: the patient's own bone material
- Allogeneic: prepared bone material from another individual
- Xenogenic: prepared bone material from a foreign (e.g. animal) individual
- Alloplastic: synthetic, non-biological bone material
What are the possible risks of bone augmentation?
The augmentation of the jawbone is associated with few risks. In rare cases - as with all surgical procedures - complications may occur in the form of redness or postoperative swelling, bleeding, inflammation or infection.
When can dental implants be inserted after the sinus lift?
Depending on the procedure and bone quality and quantity, we try to solve most cases with just one procedure, i.e. bone augmentation in the form of an internal or external sinus lift and simultaneous implantation. The advantage for our patients lies in the atraumatic and one-stage procedure.
When will I be socially acceptable again and able to eat and drink after the bone augmentation?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. You should not eat or drink anything while the anaesthetic is in place, otherwise you could accidentally bite your cheek or tongue.
What is a sinus lift?
The term sinus lift comes from the English and means "sinus floor elevation" or "sinus floor elevation". It refers to a special procedure for bone augmentation in the upper jaw. The aim is to increase bone volume in order to use this as a basis for implant anchoring. The bony floor of the maxillary sinus is thickened for this purpose.
How does a sinus lift in Zurich work?
The first step is to assess your bones precisely. To do this, we use imaging procedures (e.g. 3D X-rays/volume tomograms), which provide information about the condition of your teeth and jaw. Based on the resulting findings, we recommend a specific treatment for you. There are basically two different approaches: the internal and the external approach.
Sinus lift in Zurich: Internal (closed) access
This option is recommended if the height deficit of the jawbone is not very pronounced. In this minimally invasive procedure, we enter the maxillary sinus in the same way as the implant, which is inserted into the jawbone in the same operation. The healing time for this procedure is usually only three months. After three months of healing, the implant can be restored with a screw-retained ceramic implant crown.
Sinus lift in Zurich: External (open) access
In the case of a larger height deficit (> 5 millimetres), the procedure must be performed via an external access. To do this, we carefully open a small region in the gum and create a small access ("bone window") to the area of bone to be built up. Once we have prepared this area, we push the bone upwards and fill the resulting cavity with suitable bone substitute material. If this results in a bone height of at least 3-5 millimetres, the implant can be anchored at the same time as the bone augmentation.
The sinus lift itself is usually performed under local anesthesia; general anesthesia is not usually necessary. As your dentist in Zurich, we will be happy to advise you on the individual procedures and their respective advantages.
What needs to be considered after a sinus lift?
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure, albeit a minimally invasive one. You should therefore initially take care of the treated area and avoid blowing your nose, for example. Caution is also advised when brushing your teeth. It is better to avoid the affected area for a short time and clean it with a special oral solution.
You should refrain from consuming alcohol and nicotine after the procedure, as both can slow down or impair wound healing. Avoid strenuous physical activity in the first week after treatment. This includes not only sporting activities, but also professional activities such as heavy lifting or similar.
If there is swelling in the affected area, it helps to cool the area (for example with a cool pack). You can stop bleeding by carefully pressing a clean cotton pad or cloth onto the affected area.
Contact
Dentist Zurich - finest smile
Seidengasse 20
8001 Zurich
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday
7:00 am to 8:00 pm
Phone
044 504 57 56