During your dental implant consultation, your care team will examine your mouth thoroughly. They might tell you that you need a sinus lift before you can move forward with tooth replacement. Though that may sound a bit alarming, it is a routine preparatory procedure that is sometimes necessary for successful implant treatment. But what exactly is a sinus lift, and why might you need one? This blog post explains.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is a specialized type of dental bone grafting procedure that is performed to increase the height of the upper jawbone. During the surgery, the dental team carefully accesses the sinus membrane through the upper jaw and gently lifts it upward. Subsequently, a bone graft, which can be either natural or synthetic, is placed beneath the lifted membrane to hold it in position.
The main purpose of a sinus lift is to create enough space in the upper jawbone to accommodate dental implants comfortably. Without this procedure, an implant may penetrate the sinus cavity, potentially leading to complications. This surgery is a common preparatory step for patients who lack adequate bone height in their upper jaw for successful implant placement.
Do You Need a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is not required for every patient who wishes to get dental implants in their upper jaw. However, you might need this procedure if:
- Your natural teeth were removed some time ago. The jawbone may shrink after extractions. Eventually, it can lose so much mass and volume that a bone graft is required to accommodate a dental implant.
- You have large sinuses. Genetics or aging can cause larger sinuses.
- You suffered an injury. Injuries can weaken the jawbone, making a sinus lift necessary.
When you visit your dentist, they will likely order an X-ray or CBCT scan, which can reveal the state of your jawbone and help your care team determine if a sinus lift is necessary.
What Can You Expect from a Sinus Lift?
Sinus lift surgery is nothing to be afraid of. Thanks to local anesthesia or sedation, you might feel very little during the procedure itself. Afterward, you can expect to experience swelling and soreness. Your care team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you enjoy a smooth recovery.
The soft tissue at your surgical site may heal within a week or two, while it may take 6 – 12 months for your bone to recover and integrate the grafted material. Thereafter, you may be a good candidate for dental implants.
Undergoing a sinus lift may extend the overall treatment duration for dental implants, but it can be crucial for ensuring the long-term success of your restored smile.
Meet the Practice
The highly skilled general dentists and specialists at Wellesley Dental Group are proud to serve our community. We offer a range of dental implant services, including sinus lifts, bone grafts, and dental implant placement. To learn more about these procedures and what you can expect from them, get in touch with our team at 781-691-4914.