You may need a sinus lift procedure if you need dental implants but have insufficient bone tissue. Dental implants replace missing teeth and need enough bone to support them. A sinus lift lifts the maxillary sinus to provide more space for the new bone that will hold the dental implant. Your dental provider evaluates your oral health to determine whether you need a sinus lift. The Encino sinus lift specialists at Sargon Dental can help you prepare for your dental implant by performing a comprehensive sinus lift procedure. Here we explain more about a sinus lift.
What is a sinus lift?
It is a surgical procedure to create more room for a bone in your upper jaw. Your provider lifts your maxillary sinus and adds the bone. The bone provides support to your dental implant.
Sinuses are empty spaces found in your upper jaw, behind your cheeks, and above the teeth. After a tooth loss, the space remains with a thin bone layer, which is not enough to support the dental implants.
A bone graft can help add a new bone, but when receiving implants, you may need adequate jaw space. A sinus lift provides the required jaw space. Your provider surgically lifts your sinus to create more space in the upper jaw where to place the bone graft.
You may wait for your mouth to heal before you can go ahead with the dental implant process.
Why might you need a sinus lift?
Not everyone with missing teeth in their upper jaw may require a sinus lift. Your provider may recommend a sinus lift if you have more than one missing tooth in your upper jaw. You may also need a sinus lift if you are missing multiple teeth due to a genetic abnormality or you have a missing bone in your back jaw.
The Sargon Dental team performs a thorough oral exam and discusses your treatment goals to create a customized treatment plan.
How does a sinus lift work?
Your Sargon Dental provider performs a sinus lift as an outpatient procedure. They begin by administering sedation dentistry to keep you comfortable and relaxed. After the anesthesia sets in, your provider lifts the membrane upward to create room for the bone graft.
Your provider implants the bone graft after lifting your sinus. They cover the graft in a membrane to lower your risk of infection and give you instructions to promote recovery. The sinus lift procedure usually takes 90 to 120 minutes.
What to expect after a sinus lift procedure?
You return home after the procedure to wait for your mouth to heal. New bone tissues begin to develop weeks and months following your procedure.
Your provider may recommend avoiding some activities until you heal. They restrict spitting, blowing your nose, drinking through the straws, activities that increase pressure on the sinuses, and biting or chewing on the wound spot. You can reach out to Sargon dental in case of any side effects or concerns during the recovery period.
Contact Sargon Dental today to schedule your consultation and learn more about a sinus lift procedure.
