One of the first steps toward replacing your lost teeth with dental implants is a consultation. During your appointment, your dental team will perform a thorough examination, after which they can talk to you about the details of your treatment plan. They might inform you that you need a sinus lift before getting dental implants. What exactly is a sinus lift, and why is this procedure sometimes necessary? This blog post explains.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is essentially a special type of dental bone graft. During the procedure, your care team carefully accesses your sinus through your upper jaw. They gently move it upward and place a bone graft beneath it to keep it in its new position.
The purpose of a sinus lift is to make sure that there is enough space in the upper jaw to accommodate a dental implant. Without the procedure, there is a chance that an implant might penetrate your sinus and lead to complications.
Will You Need a Sinus Lift?
Not everyone who receives implants for their upper jaw requires a sinus lift. Here are some circumstances that may lead to the need for this procedure:
- A significant amount of time has passed since your natural teeth were removed. Following extractions, the jawbone begins a natural deterioration process. It may shrink to the point where it can no longer support a dental implant, leading to the need for a bone graft.
- Your sinuses are naturally large. This may be because of your genetics. It is also common for older individuals to have larger sinuses than younger people.
- You suffered an injury. Some facial injuries can negatively affect the health and structure of the jawbone, leading to the need for a sinus lift.
An X-ray or CBCT scan can give your dental team a look at your jawbone and help them determine whether a sinus lift should be performed in your unique case.
What Can You Expect from a Sinus Lift?
Modern dental techniques make sinus lift surgery surprisingly comfortable. Thanks to local anesthesia and/or sedation, you might not feel anything at all while your dental team is working! Once the anesthesia and sedation wear off, you may experience some soreness and swelling. Your dental team will provide instructions to facilitate an easy recovery.
The soft tissue at your surgical site should heal within 1 – 2 weeks. It might take several months for your bone to recover and bond with the grafted material. Afterward, you may be able to receive dental implants.
A sinus lift can extend your timeline for tooth replacement, but it may be the key to successful, complication-free treatment!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Gus Bal is a dentist with decades of experience. He has even completed a fellowship in implant dentistry at the prestigious New York University. If you are interested in replacing your lost teeth, he and our team would love to consult with you. Contact our Nepean, ON, office at 613-706-4763.