Sinus Lift: Bone Grafting for the Upper Jaw
Dental implants can help support crowns, bridges, and dentures. It’s an ideal solution for people who are missing teeth, yet sometimes there may not be sufficient jawbone structure in place. In these cases, bone grafting can add hard tissue to the jawbone and allow a person to get dental implants.
The team at our Los Algodones, BCN, MX dental are practice would like to consider sinus lift surgery, a bone grafting procedure for the upper jaw. It works differently than a normal bone graft surgery given the presence of the sinuses.
About Sinus Lift Surgery
Sinus lift surgery is a type of bone grafting that is performed on the upper jaw. It helps reposition the sinus membrane and adds bone density where needed to help support a dental implant. Autografts, allografts, alloplasts, and other kinds of grafting materials can be used in order to created more density in the upper jaw.
When Is a Sinus Lift Necessary?
Sinus lift surgery is necessary in the following instances:
- The patient has lost jawbone structure as a result of tooth loss
- The sinus membrane is too close to the jawbone to safely accommodate a dental implant
During the consultation process, a dentist can let you know if a sinus lift is needed or if you can proceed with dental implants treatment without the need for a sinus lift.
Good Candidates for Sinus Lift
Good candidates for sinus lift surgery are people who would like to get dental implants but are not suited for them due to bone and sinus issues. They should be in good health overall such that a sinus lift would not pose any sort of risk to overall wellness.
Since sinus lift surgery adds a few months to the implant dentistry treatment process, patients must keep this in mind. It’s also important to consider the added cost of the sinus lift surgery and how that figures into the dental implants process.
The Sinus Lift Procedure
During a sinus lift, the oral surgeon will make an incision along the gum tissue in the area of the tooth gap. A small hole will be made in the exposed bone itself to access the sinus membrane. The sinus membrane is pushed/lifted up, and bone grafting material is packed into the area once occupied by the sinus membrane.
The sinus lift surgery is performed with the patient sedated and under general anesthesia in order prevent anxiety and discomfort during the procedure.
Recovering from a Sinus Lift
Full recovery from a sinus lift procedure can take several months. While major side effects will have subsides after a week or so, the bone graft material must properly fuse with the existing tissues of the mouth. Only when this has happened will the patient be ready for a dental implant to be placed.
Is a Sinus Lift Right for Me?
The best way to learn if a sinus lift is the right option for you and your needs is to visit our practice for a consultation. We’ll be more than happy to assess your situation through an exam an x-rays. We’ll then consider all of your treatment options, helping you weigh the benefits and make the right choice for your needs.
Learn More About Sinus Lift Surgery
To learn more about sinus lift surgery and whether or not it’s right for you, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic and restorative dentist. The team at the Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry Center will be more than happy to address all of your concerns about the procedure and what it entails.