Dental implants have revolutionized the field of dentistry, providing a durable and realistic-looking solution for patients with missing teeth that doesn’t just restore their quality of life, but also sends their confidence soaring! However, not every patient is an immediate candidate for dental implants, especially in the upper back jaw area. For many, a procedure known as a sinus lift becomes essential—but what does this procedure entail and what purpose does it serve for the implants? Keep reading to learn more about this unique and useful process.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
Also called a “maxillary sinus floor augmentation,” a sinus lift is a surgical procedure that grafts supplemental bone material to the upper jaw at the position of the molar and premolar teeth. The maxillary sinus membrane is then lifted upwards to make space for the additional bone matter. This procedure is necessary when the natural bone in the upper jaw is insufficient to support a dental implant; it essentially fortifies things in preparation for future implant posts.
Why Would I Need a Sinus Lift?
Dental implants fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration—this is what grants them unmatched stability and unparalleled longevity. However, if your jawbone doesn’t have enough bone present to support them, their chances of failure are significantly heightened.
Not everyone who gets molar or premolar implants will need a sinus lift, but it’s still a fairly common procedure. Some signs that indicate you may need sinus lift surgery before getting implants include:
· Your jawbone has been damaged previously, such as from physical trauma.
· A cyst or tumor has been removed from the area.
· You’ve suffered bone loss as a result of periodontitis.
· Your bone has receded due to tooth loss.
· Your sinus cavity is naturally large, or your jawbone is relatively thin.
What Can I Expect During the Process?
During a sinus lift procedure, a small incision is made in the gum tissue, exposing the jawbone. Rest assured, you’ll be appropriately numbed the entire time so that you don’t feel a thing, though the recovery period does include some discomfort. Next, the sinus membrane is gently lifted through this “window,” and granules of the bone graft material are placed in the sinus cavity—it can come from the patient’s own body, a donor, or synthetic sources.
Over time, the grafted material integrates with the natural bone, creating a solid foundation for the implants. Most patients must wait anywhere from 4 to 9 months to receive their implants following a sinus lift, to give the bone a chance to fuse in its new position.
A sinus lift is a crucial preparatory step that ensures the longevity and success of dental implants, and it’s a must for patients with insufficient bone density in the upper jaw. If you’re considering dental implants and your dentist has informed you that this procedure is needed, don’t worry—your smile will thank you for it later on!
About the Author
Dr. Sheng Ji has proudly served patients and families in the Carmichael, CA community for several years. His practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options including dental implants as well as sinus lift surgery. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (916) 961-1902.