What is a sinus tap procedure?

[pam]

I have been told by an implantologist that I need a sinus tap procedure at the same time as my impant placement. I have a few questions about the procedure, I hope you can help me on these questions.

1. Is sinus tap the same as the sinus lift procedure or is it a different procedure?

2. What is the difference in time and costs involved?
3. Are there any risks involved with sinus tap?
4. Can I have my implant without a sinus tap procedure?

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

Sinus tap is a different procedure to sinus lift and the two must not be confused.

1. In sinus tap, the sinus cavity is not opened and the sinus lining is simply tapped up to allow implant placement without sinus lining perforation. The implant is placed at the same time as the sinus tap procedure.

In sinus lift, the sinus wall is opened and the wall gently separated from the lining and usually bone graft material placed between the lining and the sinus wall. The sinus lift is usually carried out first and left for 6-9 months before implant placement.

Sinus tap is generally a cheaper procedure compared to sinus lift as it can be done at the same time as implant insertion, thus reducing surgery time.


2. With sinus tap and lift procedures, the major risk is of perforating the sinus lining which may result in sinusitis and may need sinus washout with another surgical procedure.

3. If your dentist says that you need a sinus tap procedure, its possible that your sinus floor is very close to the implant insertion site. In these situations, it may be impossible to avoid a sinus tap procedure.