How can you prevent sinus infections and keep your sinuses healthy. What are the most effective strategies for maintaining sinus health. Why is sinus hygiene crucial for overall well-being.

Understanding Sinus Health and Infections

Sinus health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being that often goes overlooked until problems arise. The sinuses are air-filled cavities in the facial bones that play a vital role in filtering, warming, and humidifying the air we breathe. When these cavities become inflamed or infected, it can lead to a condition known as sinusitis, which can cause significant discomfort and impact daily life.

Sinusitis occurs when fluid builds up in the sinuses, creating an environment where germs can thrive. This inflammation can be triggered by various factors, including viral or bacterial infections, allergies, and environmental irritants. Understanding the causes and symptoms of sinus infections is the first step in maintaining optimal sinus health.

Common Symptoms of Sinus Infections

• Postnasal drip
• Discolored nasal discharge
• Nasal congestion or stuffiness
• Facial tenderness, especially under the eyes or at the bridge of the nose
• Frontal headache
• Toothache
• Coughing
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Bad breath

Are sinus infections always caused by bacteria? No, sinus infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or even fungi. In fact, viral infections are the most common cause of acute sinusitis. This is why antibiotics are not always necessary or effective in treating sinus infections, particularly in their early stages.

The Importance of Hand Hygiene in Sinus Health

One of the most effective ways to prevent sinus infections is through proper hand hygiene. Viruses, which are the leading cause of sinus infections, are easily transmitted through hand contact. By washing your hands thoroughly and regularly, you can significantly reduce your risk of introducing these pathogens to your nasal passages.

How long should you wash your hands to effectively prevent sinus infections? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can be an effective alternative.

Tips for Effective Hand Washing

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold)
2. Apply soap and lather well, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails
3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds
4. Rinse thoroughly under clean, running water
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them

In addition to hand washing, avoiding close contact with individuals who have colds or upper respiratory infections can help protect your sinus health. During times of increased illness prevalence, wearing a mask can provide an extra layer of protection against airborne pathogens that may lead to sinus infections.

The Role of Air Quality in Sinus Health

The air we breathe plays a significant role in sinus health. Poor air quality, whether from outdoor pollution or indoor contaminants, can irritate the nasal passages and increase the risk of sinus infections. One of the most significant threats to sinus health is exposure to cigarette smoke and other harmful fumes.

How does cigarette smoke affect sinus health? Tobacco smoke contains numerous toxic chemicals that can irritate and inflame the nasal passages and lungs. This inflammation can lead to chronic sinusitis and increase susceptibility to infections. Even secondhand smoke can have detrimental effects on sinus health.

It’s not just tobacco smoke that poses a risk. Recent studies have shown that marijuana smoke may be even more harmful to respiratory health. A study published in Radiology in November 2022 found that inflammation and lung damage were more common in marijuana smokers than in nonsmokers and tobacco-only smokers. This heightened risk is attributed to the lack of filters on marijuana joints and the tendency for users to hold their breath longer when smoking.

Other Air Quality Factors Affecting Sinus Health

• Strong chemical fumes
• Fragrances and perfumes
• Air pollution from industrial sources
• Smoke from wildfires
• Particulate matter in the air

To protect your sinus health, it’s crucial to minimize exposure to these irritants. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, including your sinuses. The CDC offers resources and support for those looking to quit smoking.

Maintaining Proper Sinus Moisture

Keeping your sinuses adequately moisturized is essential for preventing infections and maintaining overall sinus health. Dry air can irritate the nasal passages and make them more susceptible to inflammation and infection. Using a humidifier in your home, especially during dry seasons or in air-conditioned environments, can help maintain optimal moisture levels in your sinuses.

How often should you clean your humidifier to prevent mold growth? To ensure your humidifier doesn’t become a source of harmful mold spores, it’s important to clean it thoroughly and regularly. Mayo Clinic recommends emptying the tank and drying all surfaces of the humidifier once a day. Using distilled or purified water in your humidifier can also help reduce the risk of bacterial and mold growth, as these types of water have lower mineral content than tap water.

Tips for Using a Humidifier Safely

1. Clean your humidifier daily
2. Use distilled or purified water
3. Replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer
4. Monitor humidity levels in your home (aim for 30-50% relative humidity)
5. Position the humidifier away from walls and furniture to prevent moisture damage

In addition to using a humidifier, nasal irrigation with saline solution can help keep your sinuses moist and clear of irritants. This practice, often done with a neti pot or squeeze bottle, can flush out mucus, allergens, and other debris from the nasal passages, promoting better sinus health.

The Importance of Vaccinations in Sinus Health

Staying up to date with recommended vaccinations is a crucial step in maintaining sinus health and preventing infections. Vaccines help protect against various pathogens that can lead to respiratory infections, which in turn can affect the sinuses.

Which vaccines are most important for sinus health? The flu vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, and COVID-19 vaccine (including boosters) are particularly important for protecting against respiratory infections that can impact sinus health. These vaccines help reduce the risk of viral and bacterial infections that can lead to sinusitis.

Many people are unaware that the pneumococcal vaccine, often associated with preventing pneumonia in older adults, is also beneficial for sinus health. This vaccine protects against the most common bacteria that cause sinus infections and pneumonia. It’s recommended for adults over 18 who have chronic conditions or are smokers, not just for elderly individuals.

Key Vaccines for Sinus Health Protection

• Annual flu vaccine
• Pneumococcal vaccine
• COVID-19 vaccine and boosters
• Other respiratory vaccines as recommended by your healthcare provider

By staying current with these vaccinations, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing respiratory infections that could lead to sinus problems. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine which vaccines are most appropriate for your individual health needs and risk factors.

Managing Allergies for Better Sinus Health

Allergies and asthma are closely linked to sinus health, with individuals suffering from these conditions being at greater risk for sinus infections. Allergic reactions can cause inflammation and mucus buildup in the sinuses and lungs, creating an environment conducive to infection.

How do allergies affect sinus health? When exposed to allergens, the body’s immune system reacts by releasing histamines and other chemicals that cause inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses. This inflammation can lead to swelling, increased mucus production, and blockage of the sinus drainage pathways, all of which contribute to the development of sinusitis.

Managing allergies effectively is therefore crucial for maintaining optimal sinus health. This may involve a combination of strategies, including avoiding known allergens, using over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications, and in some cases, undergoing immunotherapy.

Common Allergens That Can Affect Sinus Health

• Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Mold spores
• Certain foods
• Cockroach droppings

To minimize exposure to these allergens, consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters in your home, keeping windows closed during high pollen days, and regularly cleaning and vacuuming your living space. For those with severe allergies, working with an allergist to develop a comprehensive management plan can be highly beneficial for overall sinus health.

Holistic Approaches to Sinus Health

While medical interventions are often necessary for treating acute sinus infections, adopting a holistic approach to sinus health can help prevent issues before they arise. This involves considering various lifestyle factors that can impact sinus health, including diet, exercise, and stress management.

Can diet affect sinus health? Yes, diet can play a significant role in sinus health. Certain foods may exacerbate inflammation in the body, including the sinuses, while others can help reduce inflammation and support overall immune function. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide the nutrients necessary for maintaining healthy sinuses and a strong immune system.

Foods That May Support Sinus Health

• Citrus fruits high in vitamin C
• Leafy greens rich in antioxidants
• Garlic and onions with antimicrobial properties
• Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flaxseeds
• Probiotics from yogurt and fermented foods
• Turmeric and ginger for their anti-inflammatory properties

Regular exercise can also contribute to better sinus health by improving overall circulation and immune function. However, it’s important to be mindful of exercising outdoors during high pollen days if you have allergies.

Stress management is another crucial aspect of holistic sinus health. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections, including sinusitis. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine can help support overall health, including that of your sinuses.

By adopting these holistic approaches alongside the specific preventive measures discussed earlier, you can create a comprehensive strategy for maintaining optimal sinus health. Remember, every individual is unique, and what works best may vary from person to person. Consulting with healthcare professionals, including ENT specialists and allergists, can help you develop a personalized plan for keeping your sinuses healthy and functioning optimally.

7 Steps to Keep Your Sinuses Healthy

Are you experiencing sudden headache, facial pain, runny nose, and nasal congestion? While it could be a cold, it could also mean you have a sinus infection.

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinuses, or the air-filled cavities in the face, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI).

Sinus infections occur when fluid builds up in the sinuses, which allows germs to grow, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the ACAAI, common symptoms of a sinus infection include:

• Postnasal drip
• Discolored (greenish) nasal discharge
• Nasal stuffiness or congestion
• Tenderness of the face (especially under the eyes or at the bridge of the nose)
• Headache in the front of the head
• Pain in the teeth
• Coughing
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Bad breath

A sinus infection can be caused by a bacterial infection, viruses, or fungi (mold), notes the ACAAI. Allergies and asthma are also linked to sinus infections.

A bad cold is often mistakenly believed to be a sinus infection, per the ACAAI. Symptoms of migraine can also be confused with symptoms of a sinus infection: Many people think they’re having a “sinus headache” when in fact they’re having a migraine attack.

RELATED: Is It a Migraine Attack or a Sinus Headache?

According to the CDC, you can help prevent sinus infections by staying healthy and avoiding germs and allergens. These tips can help:

1. Wash Your Hands and Avoid Getting Sick

Viruses are the most common cause of sinus infections, per the CDC. Washing your hands thoroughly and regularly can help you avoid viruses, as can avoiding close contact with people who have a cold or an upper respiratory infection. Aim to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, advises the CDC. If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

“Healthy diet and lifestyle with nutritious food, sleep, and exercise and limiting alcohol consumption will also protect you from getting sick,” says Purvi Parikh, MD, allergist and immunologist at NYU Langone Health in New York City. So can wearing a mask to avoid infection, she adds.

2. Steer Clear of Cigarette Smoke and Other Fumes

To keep your sinuses infection-free, don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke, per the CDC. Tobacco smoke and contaminants in polluted air can irritate and inflame your lungs and nasal passages, and increase your risk of getting chronic sinusitis, notes Mayo Clinic. If you do smoke, the CDC has resources to help you quit, including free coaching.

In addition to tobacco smoke, anything inhaled is bad for you and can inflame your nasal and lung passages, adds Dr. Parikh.

A study published in November 2022 in Radiology found that inflammation and emphysema or lung damage were actually more common in marijuana smokers than in nonsmokers and tobacco-only smokers, Parikh notes. According to the study, this could be due to the fact there is no filter on marijuana joints and you hold your breath longer.

“Some people also have inflammatory reactions to strong fumes like chemicals, bleach, and fragrances and they cause inflammation,” she adds. “Poor air quality from pollution, fires, [and more] all increase particulate matter exposure in your sinuses and lungs, predisposing you to more infections.”

3. Keep Your Sinuses Moist

If the air in your home is dry, adding more moisture to the air with a humidifier may help prevent sinusitis, according to Mayo Clinic. But be sure to clean your humidifier thoroughly and regularly to keep it free of mold. Mayo Clinic suggests emptying the tank and drying all surfaces of the humidifier once a day. You can also refill the tank with bottled water labeled “distilled” or “purified,” which has a lower mineral content than most tap water, so it’s less likely to foster the growth of bacteria and mold.

4. Get Your Recommended Vaccines

Staying up to date on your recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, and COVID-19 vaccine and boosters, can help you stay healthy and avoid sinus infections, per the CDC.

RELATED: Your Fall Vaccination Guide: Protect Yourself Against the Flu, Pneumonia, and Shingles

“Many don’t realize, but the pneumonia vaccine protects against the most common bacteria that causes sinus disease and pneumonia,” says Parikh. “It is indicated for many people above age 18 who have a chronic condition [or are] smokers. Many do not realize this is not just an old person vaccine. Flu and COVID boosters are important as well given the recent tripledemic we are in, and they make up the majority of cases along with other viruses.”

5. Avoid Common Allergens

People who have allergies and asthma are at greater risk of sinus infections, notes the ACAAI. “Allergies and asthma both cause a buildup of inflammation and mucus in your sinuses and lungs,” explains Parikh. “As a result you are more prone to difficulty clearing viruses and bacteria from your lungs and get sick more often. When people’s allergies and asthma are under control, they get sick much less. “

Allergic sinusitis is a reaction to inhalants such as dust, pollen, smoke, and animal dander, according to Cedars-Sinai. Avoiding these allergens is the best way to avoid allergic sinusitis.

6. Clean and Irrigate Your Sinuses

Nasal irrigation is an easy way to help prevent and treat sinus problems, according to Harvard Health Publishing. You can do this with a small bulb syringe or a neti pot.

Harvard Health recommends following these steps once or more each day:

• Stir ½ teaspoon (tsp) of noniodized salt and ½ tsp of baking soda into 2 cups of lukewarm distilled water or water that has been previously boiled and cooled. (Do not use tap water, which is not adequately filtered or treated, and may contain low levels of organisms that can cause potentially serious infections, notes the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.)
• Fill a small bulb syringe with the homemade saltwater solution, or use a neti pot to stream the solution through your nose.
• Lean over your sink, insert the tip of the syringe inside one nostril, and gently squeeze the bulb. The water will flow back out the same nostril (or the opposite nostril) and into the sink. Use at least one full bulb of the saline solution.
• Repeat these steps in the other nostril.
• Give your bulb syringe or neti pot a thorough rinse with distilled or cooled boiled water and dry it after each use.

However, while cleaning and irrigating your sinuses is a temporary fix that may provide symptomatic relief, you don’t need to do this to treat sinusitis, says Parikh. “The main way to treat sinusitis is to address the underlying cause — allergies versus infection,” she explains. If you do choose to irrigate your sinuses, be sure to clear the procedure with your physician first, as some diabetics may be prone to fungal infections that can be made worse by irrigation, she adds.

7. Drink Fluids for Healthy Sinuses

To decrease your chance of developing sinusitis or to relieve early sinusitis symptoms, it’s important to drain nasal passages and keep them clear, per Harvard Health. One way to do that is to drink lots of water throughout the day, because proper hydration helps keep mucus thin and loose.

Signs and Symptoms of Nasal Polyps

Congestion, loss of taste and smell, cough, and postnasal drip are only a handful of the symptoms you may encounter with nasal polyps.

By Lauren BedoskyDecember 14, 2022

Is It Nasal Polyps or Something Else?

From nasal congestion to loss of taste and smell, nasal polyps can resemble many other sinus conditions. How do you know which condition you have?

By Lauren BedoskyDecember 14, 2022

What Are the Treatment Options for Nasal Polyps?

Small growths inside the nose and sinuses can cause congestion, loss of smell and taste, postnasal drip, and more. Here’s how you may find relief.

By Lauren BedoskyDecember 14, 2022

What Are Nasal Polyps? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Nasal polyps are unhealthy, inflamed tissue that grows in the nose. Symptoms of polyps range from stuffiness to loss of smell to sleep disruption.

By Becky UphamApril 19, 2022

Life, Amplified: Karrie Aitken’s Story

For seven months, doctors couldn’t tell Karrie Aitken what was causing debilitating pressure and pain in her left ear. Finally she received a rare diagnosis…

By October 8, 2021

What Is Dysphagia, or Difficulty Swallowing?

People who have trouble swallowing or experience food getting caught or stuck in the throat, may have dysphagia. Learn about this symptom of ALS, Alzheimer…

By Julie Lynn MarksAugust 26, 2021

When Is a Sore Throat Considered Chronic?

A frequent sore throat can be caused by many things, from strep throat to tonsillitis. Read on for more on chronic throat pain.

By Diana RodriguezMay 14, 2020

How to Safely Use a Neti Pot

Are congestion, pressure, and coughing taking a toll on your health? A neti pot can help. These nasal irrigation devices help drain mucus and alleviate…

By Genevieve ScaranoJune 22, 2018

NeilMed NasaFlo Neti Pot Review

Nasal irrigation devices, such as the NeilMed NasaFlo Neti Pot, can help alleviate allergy symptoms. The NeilMed NasaFlo Neti Pot is designed to comfortably…

By Genevieve ScaranoJune 22, 2018

Nose and Sinus Disorders | Michigan Medicine

Chronic sinusitis affects 31 million people in the U.S. and accounts for more than 16 million outpatient visits a year – and countless time lost. In the past, sinus surgery was invasive, often performed through external incisions, and associated with significant pain. Today, at the Michigan Sinus Center, within the Division of Laryngology, Rhinology and General Otolaryngology at the University of Michigan Health System, our endoscopic approaches to nasal and sinus disorders are less invasive, less painful and yield great results. And our patients know we care about them.

We treat the full scope of nasal and sinus disorders, including:

• Allergic rhinitis – an inflammation of the membranes lining the nose
• Cerebral spinal fluid leaks
• Chronic sinusitis with polyps – an inflammation of the sinuses that lasts more than 12 weeks and is associated with nasal polyps
• Chronic sinusitis without polyps
• Difficult infections
• Deviated septums
• Fungal sinusitis – includes allergic fungal sinusitis and fungal ball plus acute or chronic invasive fungal sinusitis
• Inverting papilloma – benign tumors that form inside the nose
• Meningoencephalocele – when the lining of brain and/or brain tissue protrude through an opening in the skull
• Nasal fractures
• Nasal masses and nasal tumors
• Nosebleeds: Watch our video about what to do during a nosebleed
• Triad asthma – a clinical syndrome defined by three conditions that exist together: asthma, aspirin sensitivity and nasal polyps

In order to accurately diagnose your issue, we take the time to listen to you. We compile a thorough patient history and review your previous records. Then we provide a detailed head and neck physical exam, which includes using a nasal endoscope to evaluate your nasal cavity. If necessary, we can biopsy a polyp or mass in the office using the endoscope. We also use an endoscope to look at your nose, sinus and larynx. We may also perform a CT scan, if needed, to help diagnose sinus disease.

 If we think you have a bacterial infection, we have equipment to painlessly get a culture from your sinuses. This allows us to detect and identify the bacteria in the lab, and test the bacteria to determine the best antibiotics for treating you. No guessing which antibiotics may work.

We use image-guided, minimally invasive surgery to take care of complex medical and surgical issues in patients with sinus disorders. This includes revision surgery, which means the patient has had the surgery elsewhere, but either the polyps came back or there is scar tissue or it hasn’t healed well. We offer an experienced team of surgeons and specialists to make it right. In some cases, we also offer balloon sinuplasty, which involves endoscopically inflating a small balloon in the sinus cavity to open blocked sinuses, which restores normal drainage, and then removing the balloon. And for patients with polyps, we have cutting-edge techniques – both medically and surgically – to slow the growth of polyps.

When it comes to surgical intervention for any kind of health care condition, you should choose a center that performs a high volume of surgeries. In any given year, we perform more than 500 sinus surgeries – roughly 10 each week. Our Otolaryngology Department is one of the oldest in the country, meaning our knowledge is deep. And many of the research and advancements in the field are made here at the University of Michigan.

We provide high-quality, efficient treatment in a multidisciplinary setting by having everyone you need to see right here on site: allergists, asthma specialists, pulmonologists, infectious disease specialists, and ear, nose and throat doctors. We have a strong relationship with our Allergy Department, with whom we work closely to care for patients who have aspirin-sensitive asthma and nasal polyps, known as triad asthma. In fact, we’ve developed advanced treatment programs for triad asthma, including postoperative aspirin desensitization – not commonly available in most community practices. Aspirin desensitization provides substantial relief and much better outcomes for about 70% of patients with triad asthma.

To make an appointment, please call 734-936-8051.

Sinuses and cavities of the brain / Health / Nezavisimaya gazeta

Increased intracranial pressure is not an independent disease, but a symptom of a disease or injury. Photo from www.freepik.com

Most people far from medicine do not know what intracranial pressure (ICP) is, what is its norm and why it can increase. Those who have heard of it consider it to be part of the well-known blood pressure, under the influence of which all organs and tissues of the body are supplied with blood and nutrients. This is not entirely true. Here is the definition given by the dictionary of medical terms: “Intracranial pressure is the pressure in the cranial cavity and ventricles of the brain, the level of which is determined by the tension of the medulla, hydrostatic and osmotic pressure of cerebrospinal fluid, tissue fluid and blood.”

To make the definition more understandable, one cannot do without a brief digression into anatomy. The human skull is a cavity in which the brain is located, consisting of interconnected nerve cells. To protect it and maintain normal operation, there are departments filled with liquid.

First of all, the liquid fraction is represented by blood, which is in the vessels. In addition, the brain is surrounded on all sides by the so-called cerebrospinal, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is synthesized in special vascular plexuses and enters the skull through the spinal canal, and then is removed through the so-called venous sinuses (channels that provide free outflow). This is important for the smooth functioning of the brain.

The amount of liquor is approximately 150 ml. It is designed to protect the brain from injury, supplies oxygen and nutrients, and ensures water and electrolyte balance. To perform these functions and, moreover, to constantly circulate between the brain and spinal cord, the liquor must be under a certain pressure. It is called intracranial. In adults, it normally ranges from 8 to 15 mm Hg. Art., in children and adolescents – from 3 to 7 mm Hg. Art.

However, it happens that the body, under the influence of various factors, produces cerebrospinal fluid in larger quantities than necessary. Cerebrospinal fluid compresses the nerve tissue and stretches the sensitive membranes of the brain, which leads to an increase in intracranial pressure.

What contributes to this pathology? Three elements are constantly present in the skull – the brain, blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The brain is motionless, and the blood in the vessels surrounding it and the cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles (brain cavities) are in constant motion. Normally, 85% of the volume of the cranial cavity is occupied by the brain, about 8% is blood, and the remaining 7% of the volume is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. An increase in ICP occurs when normal proportions change, for example, the brain increases due to tumor growth or cerebrospinal fluid accumulates inside the skull due to impaired outflow through the venous sinuses.

Among the causes of increased ICP: head trauma; hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke; intoxication (poisoning), causing a pathological expansion of the vessels of the brain and their overflow with blood; inflammatory process, for example, with meningitis; toxicosis in pregnant women; developmental anomalies and birth trauma in newborns. As for the diagnosis of ICP, it is carried out only in a hospital using a spinal puncture (piercing the wall of the spinal canal with a hollow needle). In this case, cerebrospinal fluid is released, for the measurement of which a manometer is connected. The level of ICP can also be judged by the condition of the fundus. In addition, magnetic resonance and computed tomography are used to measure ICP.

Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure include headache that appears in the morning after sleep and intensifies in the evening; nausea; memory loss; difficulties with solving intellectual problems, instability of blood pressure; visual impairment; speech disorder.

It should be emphasized that increased ICP is not an independent disease, but a symptom of a disease or injury. Therefore, treatment consists in eliminating the cause that caused the pathology, for example, removing the tumor. Depending on the level of increased intracranial pressure and the individual characteristics of the patient, the neurologist prescribes drug therapy, in particular diuretics and hormonal drugs. The patient is also recommended a therapeutic diet with salt and fluid restriction.

Sinus lift and bone grafting | clinic “Formula Zdorovya”

After the loss of teeth, the bone tissue quickly atrophies. The reason is the lack of chewing load. Also, bone thinning is provoked by the anatomical features of the structure of the jaw and age-related changes. Decreased bone height becomes a significant problem for dental implant placement. To solve this problem, in the Formula Health clinic, patients are prescribed bone grafting during dental implantation – an operation that consists in building up the missing tissue.

Indications and contraindications for osteoplasty

The Health Formula dental clinic uses various technologies to restore bone volume. Osteoplasty, or sinus lift, is one of the types of bone restoration. During the operation, bone tissue is increased in order to firmly fix the titanium rod. Contraindications to osteoplasty are exacerbated chronic diseases, unilateral or bilateral sinusitis, infections of the oral cavity, anomalies in the development of the jaw apparatus.

Dentists perform a sinus lift according to the indications identified during a detailed diagnosis. Bone grafting during dental implantation is carried out in such cases:

· bone atrophy due to tooth extraction;

Reducing the height of the alveolar process;

Naturally thin bone;

Hollows in the area of ​​the maxillary sinuses that appeared after the extraction of teeth.

How to perform a sinus lift

Sinus lift is most often performed in dentistry on the upper jaw. It is performed under local or general anesthesia. On average, the operation lasts 30 minutes. The gingiva must completely cover the integrated implant in order for the gingival papillae, which perform an aesthetic and protective function, to form correctly.

The operation is performed in two ways:

1. Open sinus lift is indicated for significant bone atrophy. During the procedure, the bottom of the maxillary sinus is raised. Then the resulting cavity is filled with a special material and the gum is sutured.

2. Closed sinus lift is performed if the bone height exceeds 7-8 cm. This method is considered less traumatic. The bone is thinned with a special cutter. Then exfoliate the mucous membrane of the periosteum. The osteoplasty is planted and simultaneous implantation is performed.

Advantages of osteoplasty

Open and closed sinus lift is performed using osteoplasty: Maxgraft bonering bone implant or Maxgraft cortico plate. They belong to natural bone-replacing materials, which are obtained from the tissues of living donors. Therefore, the procedure is faster and less painful compared to earlier methods, when donor material was taken from the patient himself.

In contrast to boneless implantation, a titanium post and a temporary crown can be placed immediately after osteoplasty. No more waiting 3 months for the wound to heal.