If you desire dental implants but don’t have enough jaw bone to secure the implant, your dentist may recommend a treatment approach called sinus lift surgery. Other names for this procedure include sinus graft or augmentation. Several medical specialists, including oral surgeons and periodontists, can perform Glendale sinus bone augmentation. There are different techniques that a dental specialist can use to perform sinus lift surgery. Read on to learn about these approaches and how they help secure dental implants.
Why would I need a sinus lift?
A sinus lift augments the maxillary sinus so that more bone can grow. The maxillary sinuses are cavities above the upper jaw’s rear portion. Lifting the sinus and grafting bone in between creates more space for your dentist or oral surgeon to place a dental implant. The implant cannot anchor properly without adequate upper jaw bone and may not perform more demanding tasks such as chewing.
Bone loss in the jaw bone may be due to different reasons, including periodontal disease, cancer, congenital disabilities, or natural variation, where you have large sinus cavities or a very thin jawbone.
Preparing for a sinus lift
Dental implant placement is a multi-step process, with a sinus lift and bone grafting being the earlier steps. Before the dental implant procedure, you will have an initial consultation with your oral professional to discuss your dental implant goals. Your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, and mouth to ensure you are a good candidate for implants. Dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease will require treatment before you can get implants. Your specialist will also perform imaging tests such as X-rays or a CT scan to evaluate jawbone health and other key structures in the skull.
If you have an insufficient jawbone, you will undergo sinus lift surgery to help secure the implant. The doctor places an abutment before inserting the dental implant.
What to expect during sinus lift surgery
There are several approaches for sinus lift surgery; the ideal approach depends on your jawbone mass, types of bone graft used, and potential dental implant placement methods. Below are the basic steps of a sinus lift surgery.
ยท The dentists will numb the area with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the procedure. You may also be given oral or intravenous sedatives to make you relax throughout the surgery.
- The surgeon makes an incision into the back portion of your gum tissue to expose the bone.
- The surgeon will carefully cut a small bone area while ensuring the sinus membrane remains intact.
- Next, your surgeon raises the membrane by lifting the cut portion of the bone in the sinus cavity.
- The surgeon applies bone graft material into the lifted area; the bone graft can be synthetic or taken from another site in your body. Your specialist will discuss with you the best option before the procedure.
- Finally, the surgeon uses sutures to close the cuts or incisions.
If you have questions about the sinus lift procedure, consult your dentist at LA Dentists Group.