If you are thinking about getting dental implants, you can look forward to regaining a strong and confident smile. Before you reach that point, however, you will need to undergo a complex treatment process. You might even need a sinus lift. What exactly is a sinus lift, and why is this procedure sometimes necessary prior to dental implant placement? This blog post explains what you should know.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is essentially a special type of bone graft. It is performed in the upper jaw in cases where the bone is too thin to support dental implants. If implants were placed without a sinus lift, they might penetrate the sinus membrane and cause significant complications. By gently lifting the sinus and placing bone material beneath it, an oral surgeon can reduce the risk of an undesirable outcome for the patient.
Who Needs a Sinus Lift?
Not everyone needs a sinus lift before getting dental implants in their upper jaw. However, you might need this procedure if:
- Your bone has deteriorated since your natural teeth were extracted.
- Your jawbone is naturally thin.
- Your sinuses are naturally large or are located too close to your tooth roots.
- Your bone was damaged due to a difficult extraction, injury, cyst, or tumor.
Your oral surgery team can use advanced imaging equipment to get a look at your upper jaw and assess whether a sinus lift is necessary in your unique case.
What to Expect with the Sinus Lift Process
You should be comfortable during the sinus lift surgery. Thanks to anesthesia and sedation, you might not feel anything at all. Afterward, you may experience some temporary soreness and swelling; your surgery team will provide post-op instructions to minimize your discomfort. Most patients are back to feeling normal within just a few weeks.
However, it may take several months for your bone to heal and fully integrate the graft that was placed in it. That is why there is often a waiting period of 4 – 9 months between a sinus lift and dental implant placement.
A sinus lift can extend your dental implant treatment timeline, but it can also be an essential part of your tooth replacement journey! Talk to your oral surgeon to learn more about this procedure and how it works.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Sheng Ji is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Carmicheal, CA. He is highly qualified to perform sinus lifts, dental implant placement, and a range of other complex procedures. If you have questions about dental implants or are ready to get started on rebuilding your lost teeth, our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our office at 916-961-1902.