Office location
30 Central Park S, Suite #10d New York,NY 10019
Sinus Lifts
A sinus lift (also called sinus augmentation) is a surgical bone grafting procedure that aims to increase the level of bone prior to implant placement in some patients. Sinus lifts are done in the areas of the upper pre-molar or molar teeth.
CAUSES:
When an implant needs to be places for a patient who lacks sufficient bone height in the area beneath their sinus, a sinus lift is necessary. The bone in this area may be insufficient due to the patient’s anatomical peculiarities, because a tooth in that area has been missing for a long time, or due to underlying periodontal disease.
TREATMENT:
A sinus lift is typically completed in a single surgery.
- The area is numbed using local anesthesia.
- A small incision is made to expose the maxilla (upper jaw bone) and the membrane of the sinus is lifted.
- Bone grafting material is added into the space created by the movement of the sinus membrane.
- The area is covered with a protective membrane.
- The gums are sutured.
- The bone grafting material mineralizes completely over the course of 4-6 months, before an implant can be successfully placed into the area.
ONGOING CARE:
You will be given detailed post-operative instructions specific to your individual case.
Sinus grafting is typically the initial stage of implant-based restorations. It is important to keep the area clean, to ensure proper healing and reduce the chance of infection.
COMPLICATIONS:
Acute sinusitis, loss of the bone grafting material, hemorrhage, or infection can occur especially in the chance that post-operative instructions are not properly followed.
We encourage patients to contact the office immediately if they have any questions or anything doesn’t feel normal.
INSURANCE COVERAGE:
Insurance coverage for sinus lifts is extremely limited due to plan exclusions, usually in the 50-80% range where available. The best way to determine coverage is by submitting a preauthorization request. The office of Dr. Mazen Natour will handle all insurance matters for its patients. Please call us if you have any questions about your coverage.