What Is A Sinus Lift?
The maxillary sinuses are situated behind the cheeks and above the upper teeth, serving as air-filled empty spaces. Within these sinuses, some of the upper teeth roots extend. After extracting these upper teeth, there is typically a thin bone wall separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth. For dental implants to be successful, an adequate amount of bone is necessary for stability. However, if the sinus wall is too thin, it becomes unfeasible to place dental implants in this particular area.
The quality and quantity of the jawbone to which a dental implant is attached are crucial for its success and durability. In cases where bone loss has occurred due to injury or periodontal disease, a sinus augmentation can be carried out to elevate the sinus floor and stimulate the growth of new bone. This procedure is frequently performed on patients with bone loss in the upper jaw, as it focuses on generating bone in the maxillary sinus floor above the gum line. By strengthening and promoting bone growth in this region, dental implants can be securely placed and anchored in the newly formed bone.
Am I A Candidate For A Sinus Lift Procedure?
- If you have multiple missing teeth in the posterior region of your jaw.
- If you have substantial bone loss in the posterior region of your jaw.
- If you have congenital missing teeth or a dental condition causing tooth loss.
- If you have lost a majority of your upper teeth but require dental implant support.
What Is The Process For This Surgery?
The typical sinus augmentation procedure involves making a small incision in the premolar or molar area to expose the jawbone. A small hole is then created in the bone and the sinus membrane is pushed upward. The space is filled with bone grafting material, which can come from the patient's own body, a cadaver, or synthetic materials. The incision is then closed and the healing process begins. After a few months, the bone becomes integrated with the patient's jaw, and dental implants can be placed and secured in the new sinus bone.
In cases where there is enough bone between the upper jaw ridge and the bottom of the sinus, sinus augmentation, and implant placement can be done in a single procedure. However, if there is not enough bone, the sinus augmentation must be done first and the graft needs time to mature, depending on the type of graft material used. Once the graft has fully matured, the implants can be placed. This sinus graft procedure allows many patients to have dental implants instead of having to wear loose dentures.
At The Dental Specialty Center, sinus augmentations are typically performed in the office using local anesthesia. However, some patients may request oral or intravenous sedation as well.