A sinus lift is also referred to as a maxillary sinus floor augmentation or sinus graft. It is a restorative procedure used to add additional bone mass to patients whose upper jaws are currently too thin to support dental implants properly. It may seem like a scary surgery, but it is a fairly common procedure. It allows patients who would otherwise be ineligible for dental implants to enjoy a more permanent, natural smile.
If you need a sinus lift, trust in the experience and expertise of our surgical orthodontics in Newtown. Our maxillofacial surgeons specialize in both dental implant procedures and restorative surgeries.
What can I expect from a sinus lift procedure?
A sinus lift is done by entering the maxillary sinus membrane, a virtually empty space that sits just above your molar and premolar teeth and lifting it so that new bone can be added. This is usually done by creating a small opening where your molar or premolar teeth would sit and an additional incision in the sinus cavity. The tissue that lines the cavity is then elevated to open space where bone or bone-like material can be added. Surgeons will usually use bone taken from other parts of your body, though, synthetic material is used in some cases.
Patients are generally under anesthesia during the procedure to minimize anxiety, pain, and discomfort. After the procedure, it is common to experience slight swelling and other minor discomforts near the surgical site, but it is often a relatively easy recovery. Your surgeon may require several follow up visits to review the progress of your recovery and ensure everything is healing correctly.
How long do I have to wait for dental implants?
While the pain and discomfort will subdue shortly after your procedure, it will take longer for your new bone mass to fully fuse with your jaw and become a permanent part of your bone structure. In general, the complete healing process typically takes at least 6 months.
Once the bone is completely fused, it is ready to hold a new set of dental implants. Your surgeon will then perform the necessary procedure to attach your single-tooth or multiple-teeth implants to your new jawbone.
At Innovative Implant and Oral Surgery, our surgical team is ready to help you escape the embarrassment of loose, ill-fitting dentures and enjoy a set of teeth that make it easier to speak, eat, and smile.
Do I need a sinus lift?
When a tooth is lost, the bone mass that once supported that tooth tends to lose its mass over time. Additionally, the bone located near the maxillary sinuses is naturally thinner than other areas in your jaw—and sometimes is too thin before any tooth loss to support an implant.
The best way to know whether or not you need a sinus lift is to visit a trusted dental implant and sinus lift expert. Call our Newtown office today and schedule a personalized consultation with one of our surgeons to learn more about your options.