Dental implants have become a trusted and effective method for replacing missing teeth; they offer renewed confidence and improved oral function! However, not every patient is immediately ready for implant placement. Sometimes, additional preparatory procedures are necessary to create the ideal environment for the new teeth. One such procedure is a sinus lift — a treatment that may sound intimidating but is often an essential step toward achieving a healthy, functional smile.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is a specialized oral surgery designed to increase the height of the upper jawbone. Your dental team will carefully access the sinus membrane located above your upper jaw and gently lift it upward. A bone graft, which may be natural or synthetic, is then placed beneath the lifted membrane.
This additional bone material creates the necessary space and support for dental implants, minimizing the risk of complications that could occur if an implant penetrates the sinus cavity. The sinus lift is a routine procedure, especially for patients whose upper jawbone does not have sufficient volume for implant placement.
When Is a Sinus Lift Necessary?
Not all patients need a sinus lift. However, your care team might recommend this procedure if:
- Your natural teeth in the upper jaw were removed some time ago, resulting in jawbone shrinkage. Significant bone loss can mean there is not enough bone to support an implant without a graft.
- Your sinus cavities are naturally large due to genetics or the natural aging process, reducing available bone height in the upper jaw.
- You have experienced an injury to your upper jaw, which has weakened the bone and made additional support necessary.
During your consultation, your dental team will likely order diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or CBCT scans. These tools provide a clear view of your jawbone and sinus structure, helping your providers decide whether a sinus lift would be beneficial in your unique case.
What to Expect from the Procedure
While the idea of oral surgery might be intimidating, there is nothing to fear! The procedure and recovery are typically straightforward, and your care team will guide you every step of the way. Here is a general overview of what you can expect:
- Local anesthesia and/or sedation will be used to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
- You may experience swelling and mild discomfort following the surgery, which is normal.
- Your dental team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote smooth healing and reduce the risk of complications.
- The soft tissue at the surgical site often heals within a couple of weeks.
- The bone graft requires more time — usually 6 – 12 months — to fully integrate with your natural bone before you can receive dental implants.
Although a sinus lift may extend your overall treatment timeline, it can play a crucial role in building a strong foundation for dental implants! If your dentist recommends this procedure for you, you can be confident that it will move you closer to a strong, healthy, and complete smile.
Meet the Practice
Our practice features three highly skilled dentists, all of whom have pursued extensive continuing education in various areas of their field. Under their guidance, our team offers a broad range of services, including dental implants, sinus lifts, and more. To learn how we may be able to serve you, contact our Columbia office at 931-388-8452.