If you’re missing teeth on your upper jaw, replacing them with dental implants is a great way to restore the appearance and function of your smile. These durable, lifelike prosthetics are permanently anchored into your jaw, so they stay firmly in place without the need for regular replacement. But if you’ve been missing teeth for a while, or if you suffer from bone deterioration from gum disease, you may not have sufficient bone density to support them. The solution to this is a procedure called a sinus lift. Here’s why you might need one before getting dental implants, and what you can expect from the procedure.
What is a Sinus Lift?
When you lose permanent teeth, your jawbone no longer receives important stimulation once provided by your teeth. As a result, it begins to deteriorate as the body begins to reabsorb the bone. Over time, there will be very little bone remaining, and thus not enough for your dental implants to attach to. This in turn leads to an increased risk of implant failure.
A sinus lift is a procedure that helps restore the missing jawbone to the upper jaw. Using bone from other areas of your own body (usually your mouth, hip, or tibia), your dentist will remove the gum tissue in the area of the missing tooth or teeth, exposing the bone. Next, a small oval opening is made, and the sinus membrane is pushed away. Bone granules are then added to the space where the sinus membrane was, and the tissue is stitched up where it will eventually attach to the jawbone, typically in about four to nine months. Once you have healed completely, you will be ready for your dental implant procedure.
Recovering from a Sinus Lift
Recovery from a sinus lift procedure is generally quite mild, with little to no discomfort. You can expect some minor swelling in the area, and you may bleed from the nose and mouth. Be sure to avoid sneezing or blowing your nose forcefully, as this could open your stitches. Your dentist will prescribe nasal spray to keep your nose moist as well as medication to prevent congestion and infection. If you do not receive dissolving stitches, you will need to return to your dentist’s office to have them removed in about 10 days. If your sinus membranes are punctured during the procedure, you will receive a patch or stitches in the area, and your dentist will need to reattempt the sinus lift later once the injury has healed.
Finally, once your sinus lift has healed (usually around six months post-op) you will be ready for your dentist to attach your dental implants!
Remember, if you have significant jawbone deterioration on your upper jaw, it may not be possible to get dental implants without a sinus lift. Thankfully, recovery from this procedure is mild and, in most cases, can help restore bone density enough to support your new dental implants!
About Our Practice
At Crownridge Dental and Orthodontics, Dr. Pham and Dr. Nunez work together to provide patients with a wide range of dental treatments under one convenient roof. No matter your age or how many natural teeth you have remaining, we promise never to compromise the quality of your care. If you are missing teeth and would like to learn more about the benefits of dental implants, we are proud to announce that the entire process can be done right here in the office, including sinus lift procedures.
To schedule a dental implant consultation, please visit our website or call us today at 210-538-7500.