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If you need dental implants but your upper jaw lacks enough bone, a sinus lift can create the bone support necessary for successful implant placement.
This procedure helps restore bone height, ensuring a secure foundation for long-term implant success.
This blog will explain what a sinus lift involves, why it might be necessary, and how it can support successful dental implant treatment.
Table of Contents
- What is a Sinus Lift for Dental Implants?
- Sinus Lift Procedure
- Sinus Lift and Implant at the Same Time
- Recovery and Healing
- Book a Consultation with an Oral Surgeon in Boulder, CO
A sinus lift adds bone to the upper jaw when there is not enough to support an implant. The procedure lifts the sinus membrane and places bone graft material under it. This creates a stable foundation for a dental implant, improving long-term success.
What is a Sinus Lift for Dental Implants?
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that increases bone volume in the upper jaw to support dental implants. This procedure is also called sinus augmentation or sinus lifting for dental implants.
The maxillary sinus is a hollow cavity located above the upper teeth. A sinus lift involves placing bone graft material beneath the sinus membrane to create additional bone for implants
When Is a Sinus Lift Necessary?
A sinus lift procedure may be necessary if:
- Bone loss has occurred: Tooth loss or periodontal disease can cause the jaw bone to shrink. To learn more about bone loss and what causes it, read How To Prevent Bone Loss in Your Jaw.
- Insufficient bone height: The natural anatomy of the sinus cavity may not provide enough space for implant placement.
- Long-term tooth loss: Missing teeth, especially in the upper teeth or molar teeth, can lead to bone resorption.
- Sinus proximity: The sinus floor may be too close to the implant site.
Sinus Lift Procedure
A sinus lift and dental implant placement may be able to be performed at the same time. However, that is not an option for everyone. The following procedure details are for a sinus lift only:
- Evaluation: Your oral surgeon will assess your bone height using diagnostic 3D dental imaging.
- Incision: An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the jaw bone.
- Accessing the sinus: A small window is created in the lateral wall of the sinus using the lateral window technique.
- Lifting the membrane: The sinus membrane (Schneiderian membrane) is gently lifted to create space for the bone graft material.
- Bone grafting: A bone graft is placed under the lifted membrane.
- Closing the site: The area is closed with sutures to allow for healing and bone growth.
Types of Bone Graft Materials Used
The bone graft material used during a sinus lift surgery can include:
- Autogenous bone: Bone from your own body
- Allogenic bone: Donor bone
- Xenograft: Bone from another species
- Synthetic materials: Lab-created bone substitutes
Your oral surgeon will recommend the most suitable bone-graft material for your needs.
Sinus Lift and Implant at the Same Time
This approach can be effective when the bone structure allows for immediate implant stability, but it requires precise evaluation by an oral surgeon to ensure the safety and success of the procedure.
Benefits:
- Reduced treatment time: Fewer surgeries mean a faster overall timeline for completing the implant process.
- Minimized surgical sessions: Combining both procedures reduces the need for multiple surgeries.
Risks and considerations:
- Higher risk of complications: Since both procedures are combined, proper healing may be more challenging.
- Extended healing period: Full bone integration will still require 6 months.
- Potential for graft failure: If the bone volume is insufficient, the implant may not properly integrate.
Recovery and Healing
Recovery from a sinus lift or a combined sinus lift and dental implant procedure involves careful aftercare to ensure proper healing and successful bone integration:
- Post-surgery instructions: Your oral surgeon will provide guidelines for you to follow to minimize the risk of infection and graft failure.
- Healing timeline: Most patients experience initial healing within two weeks, but full bone integration can take 6 months. For a detailed explanation of the healing process, read How Long Does a Bone Graft Take To Heal?
- Follow-up visits: Regular check-ins with your oral surgeon are necessary to monitor progress and confirm the site is ready for implant placement.
Pain and swelling are common in the first few days and can be managed with prescribed medications. Sticking to soft foods and avoiding strenuous activities can aid recovery. Always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions for the best outcome.
Book a Consultation with an Oral Surgeon in Boulder, CO
If you require a sinus lift for dental implants or want to explore your options, schedule a consultation with our oral surgeons in Boulder, CO, today.Call (303) 444-2255 to book an appointment or visit us at 1420 28th St, Suite 100, Boulder, CO.
