Dental implants are a consistently successful and reliable form of tooth replacement. If you are thinking about getting them, you have a lot to look forward to! However, it must be acknowledged that the treatment process can be lengthy. You might even need a preparatory procedure known as a sinus lift. What exactly is a sinus lift, and why might your specialist for dental implants determine that you need one? This blog post explains.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is a special type of dental bone graft for the upper jaw. During the procedure, a specialist carefully accesses your sinus membrane and pushes it upward. Then, they place a bone graft beneath it to keep it in its new place.
The goal of a sinus lift is to make sure that there is enough depth in the jawbone to prevent a dental implant from penetrating the sinus and causing complications.
Will You Need a Sinus Lift?
Not everyone who gets dental implants needs a sinus lift. However, you might need one if:
- It has been a while since your natural teeth were extracted. After extractions, the jawbone starts to lose volume. Its deterioration can reach the point where the bone is too small and weak to support an implant.
- Your sinuses are naturally large. This may be the result of genetics. It could also be because of age; older individuals tend to have larger sinuses.
- You were injured. Some types of injuries can affect the structure and health of the upper jaw, leading to the need for a sinus lift.
During your dental implant consultation, your care team can take X-rays or CBCT images of your jawbone to find out if you will need a sinus lift or any other preparatory procedures prior to receiving your new teeth.
What Can You Expect from a Sinus Lift?
Thanks to modern dental technology and advanced techniques, you should feel little to nothing during your surgical appointment. The procedure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours. Once you go home, you may experience some soreness and swelling. Your care team will give you instructions to minimize discomfort while you heal.
The soft tissue at the surgical site should heal pretty quickly. However, it might take several months (usually 6 – 12) for the bone to heal. Thereafter, you will likely be able to receive dental implants.
A sinus lift can extend your dental implant treatment timeline, but it can also be hugely beneficial for the long-term success of your new smile!
Meet the Practice
At EMA Dental, our large team of general dentists and specialists are proud to provide comprehensive dental implant care, including advanced procedures like sinus lifts and other types of bone grafts. If you are curious about what to expect as you are replacing your lost teeth, we would be happy to answer your questions during a personalized consultation. Contact our Northampton office at 413-584-4900.