Why Ear Nose & Throat specialist consultation is needed for sinus lift?

Question

My periodontist is going to refer me to a ENT specialist for consultation before sinus lift surgery as prep for dental implant. Why ENT consultation is needed? Is that a regular procedure or my perio saw something wrong with my sinus? What would I expect from the ENT consultation?

Jason J. Durel, MD · Answer

Thank you, your question is certainly a valid one worth asking. A sinus lift is a procedure that grafts bone into the maxillary sinus floor to accommodate a tooth implant. While the procedure is usually performed by a periodontist or another specialist, that physician often requests a consult from an ENT or an otolaryngologist to ensure there are no past or existing issues with the sinuses that could cause complications with the procedure. By addressing any potential problems before surgery is performed, your doctor will be able to reduce your risk for infection and other issues that could interfere with your healing or your subsequent implant procedure. Good luck with your surgery.
- Jason J. Durel, MD

Mark Loury, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Good question. In sinus lift a bone graft is placed between the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus and the maxillary bone to increase the bone thickness in patients whose bone is too thin and can't support the implant or prevent the implant from extending into the sinus itself. If there is any history of maxillary sinus infection or membrane changes on CT it puts the bone graft and/or implant at risk for infection. Your dentist is asking the ENT surgeon if such risk exists. Hope this answers your question.

Why Ear Nose & Throat specialist consultation is needed for sinus lift?

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