Sinus Lift Surgery
What is sinus lift surgery?
At DFW Implant Team, with board-certified periodontist, Dr. Donald Steinberg, many of our patients are turning to dental implants in the Metro DFW area to replace their missing teeth, and understandably so. Dental implants offer the best tooth replacement technology available. They are more durable, functional, and attractive than other alternatives. To make room for dental implants that will replace molars and premolars in the upper jaw, you may need a sinus lift surgery to ensure greater implant stability. The maxillary sinuses are on either side of the nose can be moved in order to make room for a bone graft, but the sinuses must be lifted or augmented. Sinus augmentation produces supplemental bone in the implant’s vicinity by raising the sinus floor, then filling in the newly created space with bone grafting If you have been referred to us for a sinus lift, or have considered implants and want to learn more, please call our office to schedule a consultation.
What are the benefits of sinus lift surgery?
Thanks to advanced sinus lift surgery, patients can now have secure dental implants placed in the back of their upper jaw without harming the sinuses. With adequate room created for a bone graft in the jawbone, dental implants can last longer and feel more stable in the patient’s mouth. To see if you will need a sinus lift before dental implants, please schedule a consultation at our office today.
To prepare dental implants in the upper back jaw
To restore bone loss from gum disease
To increase dental implant stability
To adjust the size of the sinus
How is a sinus lift surgery performed?
Before the procedure, the doctor will take thorough dental X-rays and possibly at 3-D scan to accurately measure the current anatomy of the jaw and sinuses and determine how the sinuses should be moved. Once the bone graft is prepared, the doctor will make a surgical incision in the gum tissue at the back of the mouth. Once the tissue is raised and the existing bone is visible, the graft is placed so it carefully pushes the membrane lining of the sinus up and away from the jaw. Once the bone graft is in place and the sinus is secured in a higher position, the doctor will close the incision in the gum with stitches. It usually takes about 4 – 12 months before the graft has fully bonded with the existing bone and the dental implant procedure can be performed.
What is the aftercare for sinus lift surgery?
After sinus lift surgery, patients should expect to have minimal swelling and discomfort in the treated areas. The doctor may prescribe medications for pain and inflammation, as well as an antibiotic to prevent an infection. Patients should NOT blow their nose for 2 weeks. They should take decongestants if necessary. No air travel for 10 - 14 days. Patients will return to the doctor’s office in 7 – 10 days so the doctor can check their healing progress. Patients should contact their doctor right away for swelling, pain, or bleeding.