Dental implants are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth; they’re able to fully restore lost teeth virtually perfectly. However, sometimes dental implant candidates need a little extra help before they’re able to receive implants. Common procedures include things like bone grafts, periodontal therapy, and tooth extraction—but one you might be unfamiliar with is a sinus lift. Here’s more from your dentist about this procedure and how it can help to prepare your mouth for successfully integrating dental implants in Buda.
Why Might I Need a Sinus Lift Before Dental Implant Surgery?
In some cases, patients need dental implants but aren’t quite capable of receiving them without a little preparatory dental work. Since dental implants fuse with the jawbone and fully replicate the entire structure of lost teeth, it’s imperative that the jawbone is able to support them in the long run.
This type of sinus augmentation is necessary when a patient has insufficient bone in their upper jaw to accommodate dental implants. Sinus lift surgery is also useful for patients who have sustained jawbone damage, suffered bone loss due to periodontitis, or those with a naturally large sinus cavity or thin jawbone.
What Can I Expect During a Sinus Lift?
First, your dentist will perform a detailed examination of your mouth to confirm that the procedure can safely be performed; patients with optimal oral health are ideal candidates. This examination includes X-rays and perhaps CT scans in order for your dentist to gain an accurate assessment of the condition of your jaw. They will also have to determine where the grafted bone needs to be sourced from. It can come from a number of different places including your own body, a donated cadaver, cow bone, or even synthetic material, all of which are safe and sanitary options
The procedure itself involves grafting borrowed bone material to the upper jaw at the position of the molar and premolar teeth. The maxillary sinus membrane, which sits very close to your teeth, is lifted upwards to make space for the additional bone. There are various ways to carry out the procedure, but it typically begins with an incision in the gum to expose the bone underneath; a small “window” is then cut into the bone and pushed up to reveal the sinus cavity. The cavity membrane is then lifted and the space below is filled with the borrow bone graft material.
Finally, the gum tissue is stitched back together for the healing process to begin, which typically takes 7 – 10 days before the stitches can be removed. You might experience discomfort during this time, including bleeding from your mouth or nose and swelling in the affected area. You’ll also have to follow some additional precautionary guidelines for the next few weeks.
Sinus lifts are far more common than you think, and for a good reason—the procedure is certain to set up your dental implants for lasting success which will in turn completely change your life!
About the Practice
The team at Buda Dental Professionals has proudly served patients in the Buda, TX area for several years. The practice is led by Dr. Ashley Strickland, Dr. Donald Taylor, and Dr. Jason Carlyon. They combine several years of experience to offer a wide range of services including dental implants. If you have any questions about the article, you can contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (512) 295-5555.