Sinus Lifts
What is a Sinus Lift?
The maxillary sinuses are hollow cavities inside the upper jaw, just above the molar teeth. In some cases, the roots of the upper back teeth extend near or into the sinus cavity. When replacing teeth in this region of the jaw with dental implants, we often find inadequate bone height to anchor and support the implants. A sinus lift procedure (also called sinus augmentation) involves adding bone to the area to improve the bone structure for implants.
Why would a Sinus Lift be needed?
Patients who have lost teeth in the upper premolar or molar areas of the jaw may require a sinus lift in order to have dental implants placed. This can be due to the natural position of the teeth and their roots in relationship to the sinus cavity. Tooth extraction or gum disease shrinks the amount of residual bone further over time. A sinus lift is indicated to create additional space for bone to grow into so that implants can be securely placed.
Who is a good candidate for a Sinus Lift?
Sinus lift is a relatively common procedure and can be done on patients of all ages. The procedure is a lot more simple than it sounds and can improve the success of implants being placed in these areas. The longer the teeth are missing, the weaker the jaw bone becomes, and more likely to need a sinus lift to prepare for implant placement. We will perform a thorough exam and review x-rays and/or CT scans to determine if you need a sinus lift. We also evaluate the health of the sinus cavities prior to the procedure. There are different ways to perform a sinus lift depending on the amount of bone present, anatomy of the jaw and sinus, biting forces, and number of missing teeth. Healing time varies by patient and the size of the area repaired, but generally lasts between six and nine months. For many patients, depending on the quantity of their bone, implant placement and sinus lift can be done simultaneously in a single visit.Once your information is analyzed, a treatment plan is developed, and the right approach for your specific case is recommended.
What happens during the Sinus Lift procedure?
To ensure your comfort, we use a strong local anesthetic to numb the area of your mouth we are treating. Additionally, some patients may prefer to have sedation of their choice to be more relaxed. We create an incision in the upper molar region to gain access to the sinuses. A small opening is created in the bone and the membrane lining the sinus is gently lifted upward. The underlying space is filled with bone graft material and secured in place. Then the gums are sutured back and the grafting material is given time to heal. Once the bone graft material has fully integrated with the jawbone, we will insert the dental implants into the healed bone. If you think you may need a sinus lift and are ready to come in for a consultation, call us now and we will be happy to further assist you.