Purpose of Sinus Augmentation

A sinus augmentation also known as a sinus lift is a medical procedure that aims to increase the thickness of the bone around the nasal septum by cutting out the middle layer of bone, then inserting a bone graft and replacing the thin layer of cartilage.

In this way, the nasal septum is widened. This can be done with or without an implant placed in the bone. Some patients can get rid of their nasal deformity without undergoing the surgery; others have to go through the surgery just to regain their normal features.

The purpose of a sinus augmentation is that it is an operation aimed at increasing the size of your nasal passages, both the uvula and the middle section of the maxillary sinus.

The surgery may also be referred to as a ‘cranio-facial’ operation because it is designed to reshape the face in a way that increases facial prominence and creates a more aesthetically pleasing nose.

A sinus augmentation is often recommended by a physician when he or she suspects that the sinuses may be filled with pus or have a blockage of the nasal passages.

When the patient has a sinus infection, thus usually drains into the back of the throat, causing hoarseness and difficulty swallowing. Sometimes a doctor will order a sinus lift to clear up the sinuses so that the patient will not suffer from further complications of an infection.

Some patients are given this procedure before the infection even begins because a sinus infection can cause additional problems after it has been treated.

Some of the problems that can arise due to a sinus infection include ear pain, fever, pain or pressure in the upper chest, nasal congestion, and a sore throat that does not improve without treatment.

In general, a sinus augmentation can reduce pain and swelling caused by a sinus infection, but it is important to remember that no treatment is perfect.

If the sinus infection is not treated, it may become chronic and lead to more serious health problems. Some patients experience some side effects from a sinus augmentation, including mild discomfort in the area where the surgery was performed and the possibility of a reoccurrence of infection.

The main reason for a doctor to perform a sinus lift is to clear up the sinuses and reduce the symptoms of an infection.

Maxillary sinus wall augmentation is an invasive surgical procedure that aims to increase the volume of bone within the upper, Schneiderian canal, the space between the premolar tooth and maxillary sinus wall, by inserting a bone graft and lifting the lower mucosal layer.

This tissue is made up of a thick fibrous layer, known as the epidermal papillae, and is responsible for the ‘hump’ or projection on the surface of the maxillary sinus.

There are two main techniques used for maxillary sinus wall augmentation, either through a single incision under the nose or through two separate incisions in front of it.

The second technique is usually preferred because of the more rapid recovery time and the improved results that can be achieved. The bone graft is placed directly into the nasal cavity using a small incision above the maxillary sinus surface and a large one beneath the maxillary sinus.

The bone is then covered in a saline solution and the incision is closed with sutures.