Sinus Augmentation

Contact us today to restore your smile

  • Resolves insufficient bone levels
  • Repositioning of the sinus for space

Avg. Treatment Time

1.5 Hours

Anaesthetic

Yes

No. of Treatments

Varies

Sinus Augmentation (or a sinus lift) is a surgical procedure which adds bone to your upper jaw in the area of your premolar and molar teeth. A sinus lift makes it easier for your jaw to support a dental implant by providing a more stable foundation.

Smita Mehra

A word from Dr Smita Mehra, Principal Dentist

This procedure is often performed to increase the bone volume in the posterior maxilla, allowing for successful placement of dental implants. It is particularly beneficial when there is insufficient bone height due to the sinus cavity’s expansion. The technique typically involves accessing the sinus through the jawbone and placing bone graft material to enhance bone density, facilitating stable implant placement. We have specialist dental surgeons and periodontists to perform sinus augmentations.

You may require a sinus augmentation procedure if you do not naturally have enough existing space to support a dental implant. A sinus augmentation is a more common procedure than you may think. Roughly 1 in 5 people will need a sinus augmentation before having dental implants inserted.

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The sinus is ‘lifted’ via a small incision and either natural or synthetic bone material is grafted into the space. This has the effect of providing more bone mass into which a dental implant can be screwed.

Sinus Augmentation at the Neem Tree

If you require a sinus augmentation to help support a dental implant, our specialist implantologists will ensure your procedure is conducted as comfortably and painlessly as possible.

We offer a range of natural and synthetic materials to be used as a support for your implant.

Contact us today to find out more about our Sinus Augmentation services from our practices:

London

Wandsworth

The Neem Tree
Wandsworth Dental Practice

515 Old York Rd, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1TF
Call: 02088 700 030
Email: [email protected]

Surrey

Esher

The Neem Tree
Esher Dental Practice

138 High Street, Esher, KT10 9QJ
Call: 01372 464 000
Email: [email protected]

Fee Guide

Dental Implantsfrom £1,500
Dental Implant Hygiene Maintenance (Esher, 1 hour)£150
Dental Implant Crownfrom £1,250
Dental Crownfrom £895
All on Four Dental Implantsfrom £12,000
Sinus Augmentationfrom £800
Implant Bone Graftingfrom £800
Full Arch Restoration (per jaw)from £12,000

FAQs

What is a sinus augmentation or sinus lift?

In order to place dental implants to replace the upper teeth, there needs to be enough bone and space to facilitate their successful integration. Periodontal infections, such as gum disease, can mean that you are lacking the necessary bone to place implants safely in the jaw. It’s also possible that tooth loss could have led to a loss of bone. It’s essential that you have sufficient bone for your implant to behave like a natural root. This is because the dental implant itself is anchored firmly in your jaw bone.

Commonly, the upper back jaw is one of the toughest areas to effectively place dental implants. This is because of the close proximity to the sinus and a deficiency in bone quantity and quality. The procedure raises the sinus floor and adds bone between your jaw and the maxillary sinuses. The sinus membrane has to be lifted to make room for the bone. Using the barrier membranes for guided tissue regeneration, the bone cells regenerate by multiplying in an area where the loss has occurred.

Typically, the bone will be allowed to evolve for 4 to 12 months before implants can be placed. However, this depends on each individual’s specific needs. In rare cases, the implant can be inserted during the same procedure as the sinus augmentation. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the surgery. Several techniques can be used to raise the sinus and allow for new bone to form. Your Neem Tree periodontist can clarify your options for bone and tissue regeneration.

The sinus augmentation procedure has been shown to significantly improve your chances for effective implants that can last for years to come. Of course, this is as long as you maintain a sufficient dental care routine and take good care of your dental hygiene.

How many teeth can implants replace?

Crowns, bridges and dentures can all be replaced. If you are just missing a single tooth, then this requires one implant. It also only requires one implant to replace two teeth, though of course, if these teeth are not next to each other, then you would need two.

Typically, a gap of 3 missing teeth anywhere in the mouth results in 2 dental implants supporting a three-tooth bridge. A gap of 4 missing teeth at the front of the mouth typically results in 2 implants supporting a four-tooth bridge. You can rehabilitate the whole mouth if necessary. The number of implant posts will be different depending on your individual situation.

Does a sinus augmentation hurt?

Unfortunately, sinus lifts can be particularly unpleasant. The procedure takes over an hour to complete and patients will need to rest at home from three to ten days due to the pain that you will feel after the treatment.

Advantages of sinus augmentation.
  • Increased bone density for patients who have insufficient upper jawbone material due to either gum disease, tooth loss, genetics or the natural process of aging.
  • Increased likelihood of successful placement of dental implants.
Disadvantages of sinus agumentation.
  • Often requires repeated surgeries
  • Due to sinus lift complication, bone graft failure can be common
  • Bone graft may fail if it gets infected
How long does it take?

The sinus augmentation procedure usually takes from 90-120 minutes to complete. You will also need 2-3 days healing time.

Do I need to be sedated

Sinus augmentation surgery is generally performed under intravenous anesthetic. You are able to request oral sedation or local anesthesia if you would like. 

Will it affect my breathing?

Although they may seem daunting, sinus augmentations are common, routine procedures. They are not expected to affect your sinuses, allergies or breathing in any way. Your dentist will examine whether you are a fit candidate for the procedure before you begin, not all patients are. 

How long does it take to heal?

After you have a sinus augmentation procedure, there is usually around a 3 to 6 months recovery period for the added bone to become one with your sinus floor bone. Depending on the individual’s healing process and the grafting material used, it may take from 4 to 9 months instead.

Side effects of a sinus lift

You will experience the biggest side effects of a sinus lift during your recovery. Patients usually experience side effects from the treatment such as swelling along the gum line, slight bleeding from the gums or even the nose and sometimes even tenderness. Although you may experience these side effects, the discomfort should be minimal. Over the counter painkiller should help with any discomfort you may experience after the treatment.

How many teeth can implants replace?

Crowns, bridges and dentures can all be replaced. If you are just missing a single tooth, then this requires one implant. It also only requires one implant to replace two teeth, though of course, if these teeth are not next to each other, then you would need two.

Typically, a gap of 3 missing teeth anywhere in the mouth results in 2 dental implants supporting a three-tooth bridge. A gap of 4 missing teeth at the front of the mouth typically results in 2 implants supporting a four-tooth bridge. You can rehabilitate the whole mouth if necessary. The number of implant posts will be different depending on your individual situation.

What if I smoke?

Smokers should seek the advice of an implantologist but are generally NOT advised to have dental implants as the smoking causes dental bone destruction and hence will lead to the failure of the implant.

What is the most natural solution for a missing tooth?

The most natural solution would be a dental implant. Not only do they appear and feel like your own teeth, but they are also robust, durable, they improve your long-term oral health and they make it easier to eat.

What if I smoke?

Smokers should seek the advice of an implantologist but are generally NOT advised to have dental implants as the smoking causes dental bone destruction and hence will lead to the failure of the implant.

How many teeth can implants replace?

Crowns, bridges and dentures can all be replaced. If you are just missing a single tooth, then this requires one implant. It also only requires one implant to replace two teeth, though of course, if these teeth are not next to each other, then you would need two.

Typically, a gap of 3 missing teeth anywhere in the mouth results in 2 dental implants supporting a three-tooth bridge. A gap of 4 missing teeth at the front of the mouth typically results in 2 implants supporting a four-tooth bridge. You can rehabilitate the whole mouth if necessary. The number of implant posts will be different depending on your individual situation.

Glossary

Dental bridge
A dental bridge is a stationary dental application fixed to the teeth that replaces one or more missing teeth. Cemented to supporting teeth or implants. Often referred to as a fixed partial denture.

Dental Crown
A dental crown is an artificial replacement for the natural tooth. The section of the tooth visible above the gum is known as the crown.

Dental Implant
A dental implant is a screw-like metal rod that is surgically placed where a tooth is missing. It serves as an anchor for a crown, bridge or denture that is placed over it.

Maxillary sinuses
Large sinuses that are found below the cheeks, above the teeth and on the sides of the nose.

Periodontal Infection
Periodontal infection is more commonly known as gum disease and often presents as red, swollen gums that are painful and tend to bleed.

Periodontist
A periodontist is a dental specialist who specialises in treating and diagnosing gum disease and other diseases of the teeth and supporting structures. They also work on preventing these diseases.