Get a Sinus Lift From Our Top Implant Dentist
To have a successful and long-lasting dental implant, strong jawbone density is needed. If bone loss has occurred in your upper jaw due to injury or gum disease, you may not immediately qualify for dental implants in that region.
Fortunately, Eastside Dental Implant Center, led by Dr. Sidhu, can provide you with a sinus lift procedure. Discover how our implant dentist can use this procedure to increase your implant candidacy by calling our Issaquah dental practice at (425) 526-5424.
What Is Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is a supplemental procedure designed for patients with bone loss in the upper jaw. This involves relocating part of the sinuses to create more room for bone grafts and dental implants. Strengthening and growing bone in this location will allow for dental implants to be secured in the upper arch.
The Benefits of Sinus Lift
Not only can a sinus lift allow you to regrow missing bone tissue, but it can also offer other health benefits, such as:
- Preventing further bone loss
- Replacing any bone deterioration
- Increasing your implant candidacy
- Restoring your mouth’s function
- Improving your smile’s appearance
The Ideal Candidate for Sinus Lift Procedure
A sinus lift procedure may be the right option for you if you’re missing:
- A significant amount of bone in the upper-back region of your jaw
- Teeth due to a birth defect or medical condition
- More than one tooth in the upper back of your jaw
- Enough room to place dental implants due to a small jaw
The Sinus Lift Process
When you come in for your sinus lift procedure, Dr. Sidhu will apply a local anesthetic to numb the site. Once numbed, we’ll begin the procedure. Dr. Sidhu will make a small incision on a premolar or molar region to expose the jawbone. From there, we’ll cut a small opening into the bone to expose and push the membrane lining the sinus forward. The underlying space will be filled with bone grafting material to maintain the new position.
After implanting the bone, Dr. Sidhu will stitch up the incision and you’ll enter the healing period. Once several months have passed, the bone will become a part of your jaw, providing enough stability to insert the dental implants in the new sinus bone.
Recovery and Healing Process
After your sinus lift procedure, Dr. Sidhu will provide you with a list of instructions to follow for your recovery period. On average, it can take anywhere from six to nine months to recover from a sinus lift procedure. To ensure the healing process goes smoothly, your implant dentist will provide you with post-op instructions to follow.
Here are some of the tips and recommendations:
- Avoid blowing your nose
- Don’t hold your nose while sneezing
- Don’t spit, suck, or drink with a straw
- Sneeze with your mouth open
- Avoid strenuous activities for two days after the procedure
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and plan for implant placement
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort after the procedure, usually lasting a few days to a week. Your implant dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe cold compresses, pain medication, and antibiotics to manage symptoms and prevent infection. If you continue to experience discomfort, immediately contact your dentist or oral surgeon for an assessment.
Patients may need to follow a soft or liquid diet for a few days after the sinus lift procedure to avoid disturbing the surgical site. Once the initial healing has occurred, a normal diet can be resumed.
If you get dental implants without a sinus lift and you’re missing bone in that area, chances are the procedure won’t be a success. The implant may even penetrate the sinus and lead to serious complications.
If there isn’t enough bone in the upper jaw to support your dental implant, it’s highly recommended that you get a sinus lift. This procedure can provide new bone growth, creating a sturdy foundation for dental implants.
The cost of a sinus lift procedure can vary depending on factors such as the location, the complexity of the case, and the materials used. Many dental insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost, but coverage can vary widely. It’s essential to check with the insurance provider and discuss financial considerations with the dental professional.