If you’ve been considering dental implants to replace teeth, you may have learned that certain preparatory treatments could be needed ahead of the actual dental implant surgery. While this includes services you may already know, such as gum disease therapy or tooth removal, it also includes sinus lifts. This procedure is common and may be performed depending on the current condition of your bone tissue and the location of the missing tooth. Learn how the procedure works and what to expect at your next dental appointment should you need one!
What is a Sinus Lift?
Sinus lifts are a type of surgical procedure specifically designed to expand the volume of the bone inside the upper jaw. This is done through a bone graft, which is where bone (either from the patient’s body or from a donor) is placed onto an area where it is needed and given time to grow and fuse with preexisting bone tissue.
Keep in mind that the sinus system is complex and made up of several bones that are close to teeth. This is why when you have a sinus infection, it’s not uncommon to notice tooth pain or discomfort, despite nothing being wrong with the tooth itself. Instead, it’s pressure that’s being put on the sinuses being transferred to the tooth roots and upper jaw.
When is a Sinus Lift Needed?
When the upper jaw is not able to support dental implants, a sinus lift is performed. This is especially common when the tooth has been missing from this area for a long time, particularly a molar or premolar. When a tooth has fallen out, the bone begins to break down and deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. This can make it too difficult or even impossible to place a dental implant with confidence, at least without perform a sinus lift first.
What Should I Expect During Treatment?
During the initial dental implant consultation, a dentist will perform a detailed exam of the mouth to confirm if treatment can be performed safely. This also includes X-rays, which allows the dentist to gain a better understanding of the bone’s condition. It is during this phase of treatment that you will learn if a sinus lift will be needed or not.
During treatment for a sinus lift, a small window is created into the bone. Then it is pushed up to reveal the sinus cavity. After the cavity membrane is lifted, there will be room to place bone grafting material (or granules) so the existing bone can fuse with it. This will act as the foundation for the implant’s integration.
Finally, the gum tissue is stitched closed so it can begin healing. Once the healing process is completed, you’ll be reevaluated for dental implant treatment.
Sinus lifts are far more common than you think. Not only do they ensure your dental implant treatment is a success, but they keep your implant solidly in place for years to come. Call a dentist today to see if you need sinus lift treatment for your future tooth replacement!
About the Author
Dr. George Hoop holds over three decades of experience in the dental field and has completed numerous major dental implant treatments over the years. Not only has he undergone a periodontal specialty residency as part of his formal training, but he’s gone above and beyond to complete post-graduate implant education with some of the world’s most prestigious institutions. This includes the Misch International Implant Institute, the Pikos Institute, the Pankey Institute, and the Dawson Academy. To schedule an appointment, you can contact him through his website.