WHAT IS A SINUS LIFT?
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that aims to add additional bone in the area of the upper jaw. Many patients have low-lying sinuses that can affect the amount of bone that is found in this area. If you are going to be having dental implants placed, a sinus lift can prevent the implants from failing due to not having enough bone to fuse with over time. Sinus lifts are incredibly common procedures and are a lot less complicated than they sound.
WHY IS A SINUS LIFT NEEDED?
The most common reason for needing a sinus lift is because you’re going to be having dental implants placed on the upper (maxillary) jaw. By adding bone to this area, the implants have more surface to bond with and are more likely to heal correctly. You might be having one implant placed or several of them placed to hold a bridge or overdenture in place. A sinus lift should have no ill effect on how the sinuses function.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR A SINUS LIFT?
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A SINUS LIFT?
The sinus lift begins with anesthetic or sedation of your choosing. We then work to create an incision in the area where the sinus lift needs to be done. We create an incision through the soft tissue and add enough bone material to fill this space. A growth factor is typically used to help in bonding the sinus lift with the surrounding bone. The soft tissue will be sutured and you’ll be given aftercare instructions to ensure the area heals properly. Once healed, you will be able to have new dental implants placed as needed.
If you think you might need a sinus lift and are ready to come into the office for a consultation, call us today so that we can get you in as soon as possible.
