Dental implants offer a long list of benefits, but before you can fully enjoy them, you will have to go through a complex treatment process. In fact, you might need to undergo a special surgery known as a sinus lift before you can move forward with tooth replacement. What exactly is a sinus lift, and how can you know if you might need one before you get dental implants? This blog post provides some interesting information.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
Sinus lift surgery may also be referred to as sinus augmentation or maxillary sinus floor augmentation. Regardless of the label that is placed on it, this procedure is basically a special type of bone graft.
During a sinus lift, an oral surgeon carefully accesses the sinus membrane through the upper jawbone. Then, they gently push the sinus upward and place a bone graft beneath it with the goal of keeping it in its new position.
The purpose of a sinus lift is to fortify the upper jawbone and ensure that it is deep enough to accommodate dental implants. Without this procedure, implants might penetrate the sinus membrane and lead to complications.
Reasons for a Sinus Lift
Before you get started with your dental implant journey, you should attend a consultation with your oral surgeon. They will use advanced imaging equipment to take some scans of your mouth in order to determine if your bone structure is able to accommodate dental implants. If your upper jawbone is not currently large enough for implants, you might need to undergo a sinus lift.
There are a few reasons why your upper jaw might not be large enough for implants:
- Due to genetics, you have a naturally thin or weak jaw.
- You have lost some bone volume due to prior surgeries or injuries.
- You suffered advanced gum disease that damaged your jawbone.
- You lost your teeth some time ago, and without your tooth roots to stimulate adequate blood flow to your jaw, the bone has gradually deteriorated.
What to Expect from a Sinus Lift
Although the concept of sinus lift surgery might seem intimidating, it is nothing to worry about. With the help of anesthesia and sedation, you can expect to be comfortable during your surgery. After your appointment, you may experience some soreness, swelling, and other forms of discomfort. If you strictly follow the provided post-op instructions, you are likely to have a smooth and efficient recovery. For example, you may need to eat a modified diet, take certain medications, and get plenty of rest. The soft tissue at the surgical site should heal within a few weeks.
Most patients become candidates for dental implants 4 – 9 months after a successful sinus lift.
A sinus lift can extend your timeline for dental implants, but it can play a pivotal role in your treatment’s long-term success!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Jeff Lee is an Ohio native who is proud to serve the Marietta community as a top-level oral surgeon. He is able to perform sinus lifts, dental implant placement, and a range of other procedures. If you are eager to get started on your tooth replacement journey, he and our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact Muskingum Valley Oral Surgery at 740-236-9392.