Sinus lift surgery, also known as maxillary sinus lift or sinus augmentation, is a dental procedure that involves exposing the maxillary sinus and drilling a small window through the maxillary bone to allow access to the sinus cavity. This procedure is often necessary before placing dental implants, particularly in patients who have significant/maxillary bone loss or when the maxillary sinus cavity is close to the roots of the teeth.
Despite its success rate of up to 90%, there are potential side effects and complications associated with sinus lift surgery. While some of these side effects are minor and can resolve with proper postoperative care, others can be more serious and may require additional treatment or revision surgery.
Long-Term side effects
-
Swelling and Pain: Sinus lift surgery typically leads to swelling and tenderness in the affected area. This usually resolves within the first week after surgery, but may persist for several weeks or months in some patients.
-
Infection: Postoperative infection, sinuitis, or maxillary sinus mucocele may occurs in up to 2% of cases and may cause symptoms such as fever, headache, and facial stiffness.
-
Numbness or Sensitivity: numbness, sensitivity, or altered taste may be present around the mouth and face for varying periods of time. Most of the time, this resolves within 3-6 months, but in rare cases it may persist.
-
Dry Socket: Dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, is a condition where the blood clot associated with the tooth extraction is lost, often causing pain and inflammation in the area. It typically occurs 3-4 days after surgery and is more common in patients who smoke or consume alcohol.
-
Bleeding: Bleeding after surgery is normal and may continue for several days postoperatively. However, if bleeding becomes heavy or does not stop within a few hours, it may indicate a problem and should be reported to the surgeon.
-
Displacement of Implants: After sinus lifting, some patients may experience the displacement of one or more dental implants into the maxillary sinus. This may require a second surgery to correct the issue.
-
Sinus膜破裂: Sinus membranes may tear during surgery, particularly during an open approach or when a larger bone graft is used. If this happens, the surgeon may repair it with a resorbable material, but in some cases, the sinus lift must be postponed.
-
Osteonecrosis: Osteonecrosis, or death of the bone, can occur in the maxillary sinus or the surrounding bone. It may be caused by a variety of factors, including the use of certain medications or radiation therapy.
-
Orbital nerve injury: In rare cases, sinus lift procedures may result in injury to the inferior orbital nerve, leading to numbness or paralysis of the upper eyelids.
-
Facial Bruise: A facial bruise may occur in the areas affected by the surgery.
-
Discomfort: The presence of facial discomfort in the area of the surgery may not necessarily be due to a serious side effect, but it is important to communicate any concerns to the surgeon.
Management
If any of these long-term side effects of sinus lift surgery develop, patients should immediately contact their dentist or oral surgeon. They may be advised to take medication to alleviate symptoms, but in some cases, further treatment or revision surgery may be necessary.
Conclusion
While sinus lift surgery can be a highly effective method of treating patients with significant maxillary bone loss and allowing them to regain the ability to replace missing teeth with dental implants, it is important to be aware of potential long-term side effects. If any of these side effects develop, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention and appropriate management. By discussing the potential risks and benefits of sinus lift surgery with their dentist or oral surgeon, patients can make an informed decision about their treatment plan.
