Will I need a sinus lift before dental implants? I have four top left teeth missing. I have been wearing a partial denture for seven years. The thought of a sinus lift in that delicate area of my mouth is scary. Can I avoid it or get an alternative? Thank you. Samuel
Samuel
Thank you for contacting Hope Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry in Tulsa. You may need a sinus augmentation before getting dental implants, but an implant dentist must evaluate your jawbone health first.
Will You Need a Sinus Lift Before Dental Implants?
Schedule a consultation to determine if you need a sinus lift before getting a dental implant.
You may need a sinus lift before dental implants if your jawbone has shrunk and your sinuses take up too much space. A dentist must take a 3-D CT scan to determine whether dental implants will affect your sinus cavity.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, or augmentation, is a procedure that raises the sinus floor when bone shrinkage causes the sinus cavity to enlarge. Bone shrinkage occurs in areas of missing upper back teeth. Sinuses can grow and consume more space with jawbone shrinkage or as we age. The procedure ensures you have enough quality bone to support dental implants.
What Happens During a Sinus Lift?
During a sinus lift, an implant dentist or oral surgeon will complete the following steps:
- Gently raise the sinus floor
- Add bone grafting material below the sinus cavity
- Secure the bone graft
- Healing time after surgery is four to twelve months. Afterward, you can get a dental implant.
What Material Is Used for Bone Grafting?
An implant dentist or oral surgeon may use your bone, bone from a tissue bank, or synthetic bone. Bone grafting material is regulated for safety and sanitation.
Dental professionals have safely performed sinus lifts for decades. A trained implant dentist or oral surgeon achieves predictable results that increase the long-term success of your dental implants.
We recommend consulting with at least two implant dentists before choosing a provider. The consultations will ensure you understand the procedure and options.
Sugar Land implant and cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post. Read how he strives to give patients some of the highest quality dental care in Sugar Land.