Sometimes, when preparing for dental implants, sinus lifts are a supplemental procedure that is suggested to you. Sinus lifts are a procedure which can be used to prepare your jaw for implants, successfully addressing a lack of bone density in your upper jaw.
Why Would I Need a Sinus Lift?
Sinus lifts can be necessary to provide stability for the jawbone. Stability is important in order to allow a successful implant placement. Without this kind of support, your implant could become loose, shift, or fall out. To prevent that possibility, along with the process of bone grafting, sinus lifts may be suggested to help rebuild the jawbone and increase implant success.
Why are they recommended? Most typically, a sinus lift is recommended when the height of bone in the upper jaw is unable to support an implant. This is usually in the molar or premolar section, either caused by periodontal disease, tooth loss, or both.
How Does a Sinus Lift Help?
A sinus lift helps by pushing the sinus membrane up, allowing bone grafting material to be placed in the space that results between the jaw and maxillary sinuses.
Do Sinus Lifts Hurt?
Sinus lifts are not painful, although carefully following your dental team’s aftercare instructions is important so you can minimize tenderness, swelling, and alleviate any other discomfort.
What Does a Sinus Lift Procedure Entail?
The procedure adds bone to the upper jaw, positioning it around the area that supports your rear teeth.
The membrane of the sinuses moves up, which is why this procedure is truly a lift.
What Are the Reasons for a Sinus Lift?
Some of the reasons a sinus lift might be necessary are:
- Your upper jaw bone height is too short
- Sinuses are too near to your jaw
- Dental implants require more support or space
- Bone loss in upper jaw needs correction in order to securely place dental implants
How is a Sinus Lift Performed?
A sinus lift consists of an incision made along your gum line, with tissue lifted so your dental surgeon has 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 then placed in the space where the sinus was located before the elevation, to promote the bone growth that’s necessary. After augmenting the bone, when the graft material has been placed, a few stitches are made to close the tissue, and the bone heals over time.
While a sinus lift may sound complicated, it’s actually becoming more common, and a lift procedure successfully provides the space needed for bone growth and dental implants. It’s also the best technique to repair other jawbone issues.
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 about implant procedures and bone growth.