In order for dental implants to be successful, they must be placed in an adequate amount of healthy bone. Over time, sinuses naturally lower, especially after a tooth is extracted. This lowering, can make the bone extremely thin and shallow. In a sinus lift procedure, the sinus floor is gently lifted and a bone graft placed. Sinus lifts are a common procedure for treating bone loss in the upper jaw and enables dental implants to be placed in strong, secure bone.
The maxillary sinuses rest below your eye sockets and right above your upper teeth. It is normal for some teeth roots to even extend into the sinuses. Over time sinuses also have the tendency to droop lower. When upper teeth are extracted or when bone loss occurs, there is sometimes not enough bone for a dental implant to be placed. In order for bone grafting to be successful a sinus lift may be needed to raise the floor of the sinus. Sinus lifts create space and bone enough for successful dental implant placement.
Your comfort and confidence is our priority. IV sedation is available. After the area is numbed using local anesthetics, a small incision is made to gain access to the maxillary sinus. The lining of the floor of the sinus is then gently lifted upwards. A bone graft is placed beneath the sinus floor and the incision is sutured. During healing your jaw bone integrates into the bone graft, creating a strong, healthy, restored upper jaw. After the graft has fully healed and there is adequate bone beneath the sinus floor, a dental implant is able to be placed.
In some cases, dental implant placement and a sinus lift can occur during the same procedure. The bone graft and the implant will heal together over the few months following surgery before the crown or other final restoration is placed by your general dentist. During your consultation your doctor will discuss with you if this is an option. Sinus lifts make impossible implants possible and brings new hope to patients tired of loose dentures and failing bridgework.
