Sinus lifts are a supplemental procedure that may be used to prepare your jaw for dental implants. They can successfully address lack of bone density in the upper jaw.
Why Are Sinus Lifts Needed?
Sinus lifts can help to provide all-important stability for the jawbone to allow successful implant placement. Without such support, an implant can loosen, shift, or even fall out. Along with bone grafting, sinus lifts help to rebuild the jawbone and increase the success of implants.
They’re usually recommended when the height of bone in the upper jaw is unable to support an implant, usually in the molar or premolar section, whether due to periodontal disease or tooth loss.
What Does a Sinus Lift Do?
A sinus lift is designed to push the sinus membrane up so that bone grafting material can be placed in the space between the jaw and maxillary sinuses.
Are Sinus Lifts Painful?
Sinus lifts are not painful, although afterwards, following aftercare instructions provided by your dental team is key in order to minimize tenderness, swelling, and any other discomfort.
What Does Sinus Lift Surgery Entail?
This procedure adds bone to the upper jaw, placing it around the area supporting the rear teeth.
The membrane of the sinuses is moved up, making this surgical procedure a true “lift.”
Why Do You Need a Sinus Lift?
There are a number of reasons why a sinus lift procedure could be performed, including:
- Upper jaw bone height is too short
- Sinuses are too close to your jaw
- Dental implants need more support or room
- Bone loss in upper jaw needs to be corrected to securely place dental implants
How is a Sinus Lift Performed?
A sinus lift is essentially an incision made along your gum line, with tissue lifted in order to allow your dental surgeon to have a clean look at the sinus. Then, the jaw membrane will be moved up, to position it out of the way of your jaw bone.
Graft material is placed in the space where the sinus was located prior to elevation, in order to promote bone growth that’s necessary to take place instead of the sinus. After augmenting the bone, when the graft material has successfully been placed, a few stitches will be made to close the tissue, and the bone then is allowed to heal over time. Your skilled dental team will follow-up to make sure that healing, and bone growth, are both successful.
While a sinus lift may sound like a complicated procedure, its use is becoming more common, and a lift procedure provides the space needed for bone growth and successful dental implants, as well as being the best technique to repair other jawbone issues as well.
Are You Ready to Learn More About Sinus Lifts?
If you’re interested in learning more about a sinus lift procedure, and how it can help you, or if you’re ready to schedule a consultation, reach out to us today! We are here to answer your questions and to help with implant procedures and bone growth.