Are you considering getting a dental implant but are worried about the impact on your sinus cavity? A sinus lift is designed to increase the amount of available bone in the upper jaw, providing a more stable foundation for a dental implant. This procedure is often used when a patient has insufficient bone in the upper jaw to support an implant.
If you are considering a dental implant and have questions about sinus lifts, you are in the right place! In this blog post, we will answer your questions about sinus lifts for dental implants so that you can make an informed decision.
What is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, also known as a sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw area in the area of the premolars and molars, where the sinuses are located. The bone is added by repositioning the sinus membrane and then grafting bone material to the area. This procedure increases the bone volume in the area, making it possible to place an implant securely.
Why Would You Need a Sinus Lift?
For successful implant placement, it is essential to have the right amount and quality of bone in the area where it should be placed. If there is not enough bone, the implant may not be able to be placed securely. Bone loss in the upper back jaw area can leave you with insufficient bone to successfully place an implant. A sinus lift can help to address this issue.
Periodontal gum disease
Periodontal gum disease is a common cause of bone loss in the upper jaw. The sinus lift procedure helps to restore the lost bone in the area, making it possible to place dental implants safely.
Losing teeth in your upper jaw
When a patient loses a tooth in the upper jaw, it can cause the surrounding bone to degrade over time. A sinus lift can help to restore the lost bone, making it possible to place dental implants securely.
Reabsorption of bone into the body after tooth loss
When a tooth is lost, the body may begin to absorb the surrounding bone back into the body. A sinus lift can help to restore the lost bone, making it possible to place dental implants safely and securely.
How are Sinus Lifts Done?
A sinus lift is an oral surgical procedure that increases the height of the upper jaw to accommodate dental implants, but how is the procedure done?
There are several techniques, but the most common techniques used for a sinus lift involve making an incision in the gums where the back teeth used to be, cutting a small oval in the jawbone, and the membrane lining the sinus on the other side of the window is separated from your jaw. This allows the surgeon to gently raise the sinus membrane to create a space for the implant to be placed. The bone graft material is then placed into the space, helping to support the implant and provide a secure base for it.
The implant can be placed on top of the graft, the sinus membrane is repositioned, and the gum tissue is sutured closed.
In some cases, the dental implant can be placed at the same time as the sinus lift. However, in other cases, it can take about 4 – 12 months for the new bone to merge correctly with the existing bone before the dental implants can be placed. This time may be necessary to ensure that the new bone is properly integrated with the existing bone and that the implant is placed in a secure and stable position.
In other cases, a sinus lift and implant placement can be done at the same time. Your dental specialist will be able to advise whether your sinus lift and implant placement can be completed on the same day or whether you’ll need extra time for your jawbone to heal and strengthen to support the implant properly.
How Long Will It Take To Place the Implants After My Sinus Lift?
Sometimes, the implant can be placed simultaneously when the sinus is augmented, eliminating the need for a second surgery.
But remember, the time between the sinus lift surgery and the placement of the implants will depend on how much bone is needed to be added during the sinus lift. If more bone is needed, it may take longer for the new bone to become fused with the existing bone.
Your dental professional will be able to tell you when the new bone is ready to accept the implant and will be able to provide you with a timeline for when you can expect to receive your implants.
What Needs to Happen Before A Sinus Lift?
Before a sinus lift surgery, your dental professional will first determine where they’ll get the extra bone needed for the dental implant.
There are three most common types of bone used in sinus lift surgeries:
- The first is autogenous bone, which is taken from the patient’s own jawbone or another area of the patient’s body.
- The second is allograft bone, which is taken from a cadaver.
- The third is synthetic bone, which is an artificial material that has been designed to act like real bone.
You’ll also need to get X-rays taken to assess the amount of existing bone in the area and to determine the best placement for the dental implant. Once the X-rays have been taken, the dental professional will be able to determine if a sinus lift is necessary and whether or not they will need to graft bone into the area.
Once your sinus lift is completed, what happens next?
It is normal to experience swelling, light bleeding, and pain after the procedure. You might also feel slight discomfort when sneezing or blowing your nose, so try to avoid anything you know will make you sneeze. Sneezing and blowing your nose can cause increased pressure in your sinuses and therefore cause discomfort.
Your dentist will likely recommend a saline spray to keep your nose moist and a prescription to prevent congestion and inflammation. Pain medicine and antibiotics or antimicrobial mouthwash may also be prescribed to help prevent infection.
At Hanna Dental Implant Center, patients typically have a follow-up appointment with their dental specialist 7-10 days after surgery to ensure that the sinus lift for the dental implant procedure has been successful.
During the follow-up appointment, the specialist will assess the progress of the sinus lift for the dental implant procedure, check for any post-operative swelling and bleeding, and answer any questions you may have. Follow-up appointments are essential for sinus lifts for dental implant procedures as they can help to ensure that the surgery was successful and that the patient is progressing as expected.
Patients need to follow their dental specialist’s instructions and guidelines for postoperative care, as this will help to ensure the best possible outcome from the sinus lift for a dental implant procedure.
Do You Need a Sinus Lift For a Dental Implant?
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that increases the amount of bone in the upper jaw, near the molars and premolars, to allow for successful implant placement. This procedure involves lifting the sinus membrane and adding bone graft material. The new bone material helps create a stronger foundation for dental implants. In some cases, the sinus lift may be combined with ridge augmentation to increase the jawbone’s size.
If you are considering dental implants in Houston, discussing the benefits of a sinus lift with a dental specialist is important. At Hanna Dental Implant Center, our team of experienced dentists in Houston will assess your unique needs and provide you with an individualized treatment plan to restore the look and feel of your smile.
Contact Hanna Dental Implant Center today to determine if a sinus lift is right for you. Our team of experienced dentists will provide you with personalized care to ensure you receive the best possible results.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
How painful is a sinus lift for an implant?
A sinus lift is a relatively painless procedure for a dental implant. Most patients only experience mild discomfort during the procedure and, in some cases, no discomfort at all.
Is a sinus lift necessary for dental implants?
A sinus lift may be necessary for a dental implant if the upper jaw has lost significant height, leading to inadequate space for the implant to be placed. A sinus lift alters the shape of the sinus floor, allowing the implant to be placed.
What are the disadvantages of sinus lift procedures?
The main disadvantage of a sinus lift procedure is that it requires two surgeries. The first surgery involves grafting the bone, while the second surgery involves the implantation of the dental implant.
Is a sinus lift a serious procedure?
A sinus lift is a fairly serious procedure as it involves altering the shape of the sinus cavity, which can lead to complications. Therefore, discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor before undergoing the procedure is important.
