A sinus lift is a procedure that adds bone in order to provide a foundation for dental implants. Above the back portion of the upper jaw (the maxilla) are cavities called the maxillary sinuses. These cavities can leave too little bone for a successful dental implant placement. Grafting bone in the sinus can restore available bone to place implants.
Having sufficient bone for dental implants is essential for practical use while chewing. If your periodontist determines that you require a sinus lift before dental implants can be placed, it can take between 6 to 12 months following the procedure for the jaw to heal and the graft to take.
A sinus lift is generally appropriate when a patient has less than 4 to 6 millimeters of bone in the back part of the jaw underneath the cavity. This falls within the range of natural variation.
You might simply happen to have less bone in this area. The bone can also deteriorate from periodontal disease or in areas where teeth have been missing for a long time. East Bay Periodontics and Implant Dentistry has the technology and experience to advise you on your best options.
The periodontist will use local anesthesia and sedation (if necessary) for the procedure. They will then make incisions to expose the bone at the back of the jaw. They carefully cut a small portion of the bone, avoiding the sinus membrane. The doctor will then lift the sinus membrane and place the bone graft into the sinus before closing the incision with sutures.
You might experience swelling for several days following the procedure. Patients are advised to avoid strong sneezing or blowing their nose to avoid disrupting the graft material in the sinus. You may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection and possibly pain relievers for discomfort.
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