When you attend your dental implant consultation, your dental team will thoroughly examine your mouth. Afterward, they might inform you that you need a sinus lift before you can move forward with replacing your lost teeth. That might seem a little alarming, but it is nothing to be worried about. A sinus lift is a preparatory procedure that can pave the way for successful implant treatment. But what exactly is a sinus lift, and why might you require one? This blog post explains.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is a special type of dental bone grafting surgery. During the procedure, your dental team will carefully access your sinus membrane through your upper jaw and gently move it upward. Then, they will place a bone graft (either natural or synthetic bone) beneath it to hold it in place.
The purpose of a sinus lift is to create enough space in the upper jawbone to comfortably accommodate a dental implant. Without the procedure, an implant might penetrate your sinus and cause complications.
Will You Need a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is not necessary for every patient who wants to receive dental implants for their upper jaw. However, it is a common procedure. You might need it if:
- It has already been some time since your natural teeth were removed. Following extractions, the jawbone starts to deteriorate. It can shrink in size to the point where it can no longer accommodate a dental implant, leading to the need for a bone graft.
- You have naturally large sinuses. This may be the result of genetics. It is also common for older individuals to have larger sinuses than younger folks.
- You suffered an injury. Some injuries can affect the health and structure of the jawbone to the point where a sinus lift becomes necessary.
An X-ray or CBCT scan can reveal the state of your jawbone and help your dental team to determine if you require a sinus lift.
What Can You Expect from a Sinus Lift?
Thanks to the marvels of modern dentistry, sinus lift surgery is pretty comfortable. With the help of local anesthesia and/or sedation, you may feel little to nothing while your dental team is working. Afterward, some soreness and swelling are to be expected. You will receive detailed instructions to help you enjoy a smooth and easy recovery period.
The soft tissue at your surgical site will likely heal within a week or two. It might take several months (6 – 12) for the bone to recover and bond with the grafted material. Thereafter, you may become a good candidate for dental implants.
A sinus lift can lengthen your total treatment timeline for dental implants, but it can play a huge role in supporting the long-term success of your restored smile!
Meet the Practice
At New Haven Dental Group, we want everyone to be able to enjoy the many benefits of a beautiful, strong, and healthy smile. That is why we offer comprehensive dental implant services, including complex preparatory procedures like sinus lifts and other types of bone grafts. If you have questions about these surgeries or you are ready to request your dental implant consultation, contact our Branford office at 203-439-6895.