Lateral Window Sinus Lift
What Is Lateral Window Sinus Lift?
A Lateral Window Sinus Lift, also known as a lateral approach sinus elevation, is a surgical procedure used to increase bone height in the upper jaw, specifically in the posterior maxilla. This technique drilling a small window on the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus bony wall to directly access and elevate the sinus membrane. The space created is then filled with bone graft material, providing a stable foundation for dental implants when natural bone is insufficient.
This approach is especially helpful in cases with significant bone loss and where an indirect sinus lift is not feasible. A lateral sinus lift may be performed before or at the same time as dental implant placement, depending on individual bone conditions.
Before you deciding on whether Indirect Sinus Lift are right for you, there are some things you should know:
- Who is a Candidate for a Lateral Window Sinus Lift?
- Benefits Of Lateral Window Sinus Lift
- Types of Bone Graft Material Used
- How Much Does Lateral Window Sinus Lift Cost?
- Steps In The Lateral Window Sinus Lift Procedure
- Frequently Asked Questions About Lateral Window Sinus Lift
If you have any further questions about lateral Window Sinus elevation or other dental implant services offered at Atlas Dental, please contact us.
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Who is a Candidate for a Lateral Window Sinus Lift?
A Lateral Window Sinus Lift is recommended for patients who:
- Have severe bone loss in the upper back jaw (posterior maxilla), making implant placement impossible without grafting
- Have less than 4-5mm of bone height beneath the maxillary sinus
- Experienced long-term tooth loss, leading to vertical bone resorption
- Suffered tooth trauma or injury resulting in significant bone loss in the upper jaw
- Have advanced periodontal disease causing vertical bone defects in the upper posterior area
To determine if you are a candidate for this procedure, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination including 3D CBCT scan to assess the quality and quantity of your existing bone. If you have further questions about Indirect Sinus Lift, please contact us.
Benefits of a Lateral Window Sinus Lift
The Indirect Sinus Lift procedure has several advantages:
- Direct and controlled access to the sinus cavity for optimal sinus membrane elevation
- Increased bone volume for secure and long-lasting dental implant placement
- High success rate even in complex cases of bone loss
- Improved oral function, including enhanced chewing efficiency and speech clarity
- Long-term stability of dental implants due to a strong bone foundation
This technique has been used for decades and is considered the gold standard in managing severe maxillary bone deficiency for implant dentistry. If you have further questions about the pros and cons of Indirect Sinus Lift, please contact us.
Type of Bone Graft Material Used
Several types of bone grafts can be used in a lateral sinus lift, depending on the clinical situation and patient preferences:
- Allograft: Sourced from human donors and processed to reduce disease transmission risk.
- Xenograft: Sourced from animals (commonly bovine or porcine) and processed for safety.
- Autograft: Taken from the patient’s own body, typically the hip or jaw. It’s the “gold standard” but requires an additional surgery.
- Alloplast: Synthetic graft materials, such as calcium phosphate, suitable for those preferring non-biological options.
Discussing each option with a dentist can help determine the best material based on individual preferences and requirements. If you have further questions about bone graft materials used for an indirect sinus lift, please contact us.
Cost of Lateral Window Sinus Lift
The cost of a Lateral Window Sinus Lift is $2726. The codes relevant to Lateral Window Sinus elevation in the Ontario Dental Association’s Suggested Fee Guide appear as follows:
Sinus Osseous Augmentation
- 79391 – Sinus Osseous Augmentation, Open Lateral Approach – Allograft : $2076 + Dental materials expense (approximately $650)
Lateral Window Sinus Lift in preparation for dental implant surgery is oftentimes considered a supplementary service by dental insurance plans and may or may not be covered by your dental insurance. Be sure to find out from your dental insurance plan provider how much you are eligible for before going ahead with dental treatment. Your dentist can help you submit a predetermination to your dental insurance.
For patients without dental insurance, Atlas Dental is pleased to offer dental financing through iFinance Dentalcard. Affordable payment plans start at 7.95% for terms of 6 months to 6 years. To learn more about Dentalcard dental treatment financing, follow this link.
Steps in the Lateral Window Sinus Lift Procedure
The Lateral Window Sinus Elevation procedure typically includes the following steps:
- Initial Consultation and Imaging: CBCT scans and dental exams are conducted to plan the surgery precisely.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia (and sometimes sedation) is administered to ensure patient comfort.
- Creating the Lateral Window: A soft tissue incision is made, the gum tissue is elevated, and a small window is carefully made in the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus using a series of drills.
- Lifting the Sinus Membrane: Specialized instruments gently elevate the sinus membrane without perforation.
- Placement of Bone Graft Material: The graft material is packed into the space beneath the sinus membrane to promote new bone growth.
- Closure: The window is covered with a membrane if needed and sutured closed.
- Follow-Up Visits: Healing is monitored over the next 6 months, after which dental implants may be placed if not done simultaneously.
The procedure is typically quick, often completed in a single visit, but requires careful adherence to post-operative care to ensure success. If you have further questions about Indirect Sinus Lift, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indirect Sinus Lift
- What is the difference between a Lateral and Indirect Sinus Lift?
A Lateral Sinus Lift involves creating a window in the side wall of the sinus to directly access and lift the membrane, while an Indirect Sinus Lift is less invasive and done through the implant site. Lateral is preferred when significant bone loss is present.
- Is the Lateral Window Sinus Lift painful?
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and most patients report mild discomfort afterward, which can be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medications.
- What are the risks?
Risks include sinus membrane perforation, infection, swelling, or graft failure, but these are uncommon when the procedure is performed by an experienced clinician.
- How long does healing take?
Initial healing takes a few weeks, but full bone integration may take 6 months or longer. During this time, the bone graft will integrate with your natural bone to provide a strong foundation for dental implants.
- Can I get implants at the same time?
In some cases, implants can be placed at the same time as the sinus lift if there is enough residual bone. Your dentist will determine the best approach during your evaluation.
An Indirect Sinus Lift is a safe and effective procedure to enhance bone height for dental implant placement with minimal invasiveness. If you have further questions about Indirect Sinus Lifting, please contact us.
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