Sinus Lift Procedure in NYC
Upper West Side Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery provides sinus lift services in Upper West Side, NYC. Call 212-466-6984 to learn more and schedule your appointment.
Sinus lifts are commonly performed as a supplemental procedure to prepare the jaw for dental implant surgery. Also known as sinus augmentation, a sinus lift addresses a lack of bone density in the upper jaw.
Why Sinus Lifts Are Needed
One of the key criteria for dental implant surgery is sufficient jawbone support. Without this support, a dental implant does not have the stability it needs for successful placement. A dental implant that doesn’t have adequate support may become loose, shift in the mouth, and potentially fall out. Bone grafting and sinus lifts are used to rebuild the jawbone to minimize the risk of dental implant failure.
Sinus lifts are generally recommended when the height of the bone in the upper jaw is not sufficient to support an implant fixture in the molar or premolar section. Sometimes, this may be due to genetic factors, but more often it’s due to periodontal disease or bone resorption after tooth loss. When the root is no longer stimulating the jawbone, it signals to the body that the supporting bone is no longer needed.
What Happens During a Sinus Lift
During a sinus lift, the sinus membrane is pushed up and bone grafting material is placed in the newly created space between the jaw and maxillary sinuses.
Prior to your sinus lift, you will need x-rays and possibly a CT scan, which allows Dr. Park to plan your surgery. If your own bone will be used for the graft, it may be harvested from the jaw, hip, or tibia. Other options include bone from a tissue bank, animal bone, or synthetic grafting material.
Dr. Park makes an incision in the gum tissue near the back of the mouth, then lifts the gum tissue to reach the bone beneath. Through an opening in the bone, the sinus membrane can be pushed up, then the bone grafting material is inserted. The incision is closed with sutures. Once you have healed from your sinus lift, you will be able to move forward with dental implants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sinus Lifts
How painful is a sinus lift?
You will not experience any pain during your sinus lift, but afterwards, it’s common to experience some tenderness and swelling. Dr. Park will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to minimize any discomfort.
Why would you need a sinus lift?
The most common reason for needing a sinus lift is to prepare the jawbone to support dental implants.
What does a sinus lift cost?
The cost of a sinus lift can vary a great deal from one patient to the next, depending on the complexity and the amount of bone grafting required.
Does a sinus lift change facial appearance?
Yes, by restoring bone that has been lost in the upper jaw, a sinus lift will often change your facial appearance for the better, reversing the sunken, prematurely-aged look associated with tooth loss.
Call 212-466-6984 to schedule your appointment.