Last year I had an inflamed molar removed in my upper right jaw. The dentist recommends placing an implant. Because the bone is not thick enough, additional bone must be placed in the sinus. I wonder if the maxillary sinus will not be closed in this way, so that mucus is not properly drained. I am quite sensitive to sinus infections.
Harry (62)
Joris Bartstra, journalist with medical diploma
As you get older, your maxillary sinuses get bigger: the bone above the molars becomes thinner, especially if several molars are gone. In order to give an implant sufficient grip with a thin upper jaw, it is sometimes necessary to strengthen the bone. This procedure is called a ‘sinus lift procedure’ and there are different techniques for it.
A sinus infection can be a complication of the procedure, and in the long run it can increase the chance of problems in the maxillary sinus. It is not that the maxillary sinus is closed; it is rather the case that a (too) large maxillary sinus becomes somewhat smaller. If you’ve had problems with the sinuses before, I think it’s a concern. I would discuss it with your dentist, possibly you can ask for a second opinion.
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