Restore Your Candidacy for Dental Implants with a Sinus Lift
For patients who have lost bone tissue in their upper jaw, a sinus lift can restore their candidacy for dental implants and improve their oral health. Sometimes called a sinus augmentation, this procedure raises the floor of the sinuses and uses grafting material to provide a strong base for implants.
At Dearborn Family Dentistry in Dearborn, MI, we use the latest technology to provide comfortable, efficient treatment. Our doctors, Mark Luria and Rena Allswang, provide highly aesthetic implant-supported restorations.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is a type of bone grafting surgery which adds bone between the jaw and the maxillary sinuses. Located on either side of your nose, the maxillary sinuses are close enough to the roof of the mouth that they can sometimes interfere with the placement of dental implants. Sinus augmentations raise the floor of the sinus cavity to ensure there is enough room for implant posts.
Candidates for Sinus Augmentation
Generally, our doctors recommend sinus lifts for patients who have low sinuses or insufficient bone height in the upper jaw. In general, there is less bone at the back of the upper jaw than in the lower jaw, so it is much more common for patients to have issues when replacing teeth in this area. Certain patients will also have larger sinuses than others, which can reduce the amount of space available for implants.
In addition, gum disease and missing teeth can both result in further loss of jawbone tissue. If you have put off replacing upper molars for a long time, you are more likely to have lost tissue in the area. This tissue loss can leave space for the maxillary sinus to crowd close to the tooth roots, interfering with implant placement.
A sinus lift can improve your candidacy for dental implants and allow you to restore the comfort, function, and appearance of your smile.
The best way to find out if a sinus augmentation is right for you is to schedule an appointment at our office. Our team can take x-rays and scans of your jaw and determine whether a sinus lift can restore your candidacy for dental implants.
What Happens during a Sinus Lift?
Sinus lift surgery is typically performed under sedation. You can discuss your sedation options before your procedure.
Once you are fully sedated, your doctor will:
- Make a small incision into the gum tissue
- Create a small window in the bone
- Gently push the sinus membrane up and away from the jaw
- Fill the resulting space with grafting material
- Close the incision with sutures
In the months after the procedure, the bone in your jaw will fuse with the grafted material to create a sturdy base for your implant posts.
Recovering after Your Procedure
A little discomfort is common after a sinus lift. You may experience some swelling and bleeding after a sinus augmentation. Avoid blowing your nose or sneezing forcefully for the first few days as the force could cause your bone graft to shift.
You may receive a saline spray or other prescription medications. Make sure to follow all instructions from your doctor to ensure you heal properly.
You will also need to attend regular follow-ups throughout the healing process, starting about a week after surgery. In general, it takes four to nine months for the bone grafting material to fully fuse so Dr. Luria can place your implants.
Rebuild Your Jaw
Dental implants are the gold standard in tooth replacement, but lost tissue and low sinuses can restrict your ability to receive them. A sinus lift can improve your candidacy for this life-changing procedure and allow you to restore the comfort, function, and appearance of your smile. Find out more by contacting our office online or calling (313) 565-5507 today.
