Sinus Lift
A key to a successful implant procedure is the quantity and quality of the jawbone where the implant is to be placed. The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most complicated areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient quantity and quality of bone, as well as the close proximity to the maxillary sinus. If bone loss has occurred in that area due to periodontal disease or injury, you may be left without enough bone to place implants. Sinus lift surgery can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and growing bone for the placement of dental implants.
Am I a candidate for sinus lift surgery?
A sinus lift may be required if you are:
- Missing more than one tooth in the back of your jaw
- Missing a significant amount of bone in the back of your jaw
- Missing teeth due to a birth defect
What to expect during a sinus lift procedure:
Your periodontist will take X-rays to measure the bone surrounding your missing teeth. Before the procedure begins, your gums and jaw tissue will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Next, your periodontist will make a small incision where the upper teeth used to be, where the sinus membrane will be lifted upwards from the floor of the sinus. Bioactive gels and bone grafting material will be placed into the empty space, and over the next several months, your body will replace these materials with strong natural bone tissue. After the graft is in place, the gum tissue is closed, and the area can start healing.
Recovering from a sinus lift procedure:
Most patients need between 4-12 months for the sinus lift and bone graft to heal. The healing process is necessary to lay the framework for strong, beautiful dental implants. In some rare instances, sinus lifts may be performed at the same time dental implant posts are installed, which can shorten the timeframe for receiving your final dental implants.
At Pinnacle Dental Group, we can help you restore your smile through implant dentistry. If you’d like to learn more or schedule a consultation, fill out the form below and someone from our team will be in touch.