Sinus Lift – Carmichael, CA
Preparing the Upper Jaw for Dental Implants
Dental implants are often an ideal solution for missing teeth, acting as replacement roots to serve as the foundation for a smile that looks and feels natural. However, Dr. Ji may find that certain preliminary surgical procedures are required before you can get dental implants. One such procedure that might be needed when replacing teeth in the upper jaw is a sinus lift. Reach out to our Carmichael office today to learn more about this treatment and why it might be essential for successful dental implants.
Why Choose Sheng Ji, DDS, MD Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery for Sinus Lifts?
- Surgeon Dual-Trained in Dentistry and Medicine
- Multiple Sedation Options to Ensure Patient Comfort
- Friendly and Professional Team Members
Indications for Sinus Lifts
There are multiple reasons why a sinus lift might be necessary. In some cases, it might simply have to do with the natural anatomy of your skull. The upper jaw tends to have less bone compared to the lower jaw, and as a result, there often isn’t a sufficient level of bone density for implant surgery.
Another common issue is bone loss in the area where dental implants need to be inserted. Bone loss can be a consequence of gum disease, but it can also be due to the lack of stimulation that the jawbone suffers when teeth have been missing for a long time.
Finally, there are times when the sinus cavity may be too close to the upper jawbone. Trying to insert dental implants under these circumstances could cause them to protrude into the sinuses.
Sinus Lift Surgery
After numbing the area, Dr. Ji will open your gums and create a small window in the underlying bone. He will then lift the membrane lining the sinuses up and away from the jawbone so that grafting material can be placed. Said grafting material is often bone taken from elsewhere in your body, but it can also come from a donor. Once the material is in place, Dr. Ji will close the gums.
Most patients notice some mild swelling and bleeding in their mouths following a sinus lift procedure. This is completely normal and can be managed with medication.
A follow-up appointment will typically be performed to make sure that your mouth is healing properly. It can take anywhere from four to nine months for the mouth to completely recover after a sinus lift. We can perform dental implant surgery once the healing process is complete.
Sinus Lift FAQs
What Can I Expect While Recovering from a Sinus Lift?
Most people are back to feeling normal within 1 – 2 weeks of their sinus lift surgery. In the meantime, you will need to adhere to some post-op instructions to reduce the risk of complications. For example, you should be careful to avoid blowing your nose, and you should minimize your exposure to anything that might make you sneeze. You should also take medications as prescribed, eat a soft diet, and avoid strenuous physical activity.
Before you leave our office, our team will provide you with a detailed list of post-op instructions that will help to support your body’s natural healing process. Of course, you are welcome to call us if you run into concerns or questions.
Does Sinus Lift Surgery Come with Any Risks?
Just like any other medical procedure, there are a few risks attached to sinus lift surgery. The biggest risk is that a sinus membrane will be torn or punctured. Usually, such issues can be repaired with stitches or a patch. If the repair is more complicated, your surgeon might stop your sinus lift and let you heal before performing the procedure again.
Other potential risks include infection and a failure of the grafted bone to bond with the surrounding tissue.
Keep in mind that the chances of you experiencing a serious complication are quite low. Dr. Ji and our team take every precaution to keep our patients safe!
When Should I Seek Help after a Sinus Lift?
You will have a follow-up appointment approximately one week after your surgery. However, you should call us sooner if you experience symptoms such as:
- An increase in swelling in your mouth, cheek, or under your eye after 3 days.
- Discharge of small graft particles from your nose.
- An unexpected flow of liquids between your nose and mouth.
- Signs of infection, such as redness or pus at your surgical site, fever, or extreme discomfort.
What Are the Benefits of a Sinus Lift?
Although sinus lift surgery might seem a bit intimidating or even scary, it can actually be something to look forward to!
Its biggest benefit is that it can make you a candidate for dental implants, which can restore your bite and beautify your smile. This surgery can also restore jaw strength. Additionally, it is relatively safe, with serious complications happening only in very rare cases.
Who Should Perform My Sinus Lift Surgery?
Many oral surgeons and other dental specialists offer sinus lift surgery. A simple Google search can reveal a lot of options! Be sure to carefully read reviews of any practice you are thinking about visiting. You should also investigate each doctor’s credentials.
Dr. Ji has a strong reputation for performing oral surgeries, including sinus lifts, with great care and attention to detail. He often works alongside local dentists to make sure patients have a positive treatment experience from beginning to end,