Sinus Augmentation
Sinus lift surgery, also known as sinus augmentation, is a specialized dental procedure designed to enhance your upper jaw’s bone mass. This surgery is often necessary for patients who lack sufficient bone height in the upper jaw or whose sinuses are too close to the jaw for dental implants to be placed. Our periodontal team is highly trained in this advanced procedure, ensuring a seamless integration of function and aesthetics.
The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone is taken from the jaw, hip or tibia (below the knee). Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum and protect the bone graft and encourage bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration.
Key Benefits of Sinus Augmentation
- Increases Bone Quantity: Adds essential bone to the upper jaw, increasing the available bone for dental implants.
- Enables Dental Implants: Makes it possible for patients who previously couldn’t receive implants due to insufficient bone height.
- Improves Facial Structure: Prevents further bone deterioration, maintaining the natural shape of your face and jaw.
- Enhances Oral Function: Allows for the installation of dental implants that function like natural teeth, improving chewing and speaking.
- Boosts Confidence: Helps restore your smile aesthetically, contributing to improved self-esteem and quality of life.
- Long-Term Solution: Offers a durable solution that helps avoid future dental complications related to bone loss.
- Minimally Invasive with Modern Techniques: Utilizes advanced technologies and surgical techniques for minimal discomfort and faster recovery.
Why do I need a sinus lift?
Improving Eligibility for Dental Implants
If you’ve been told that dental implants aren’t an option due to insufficient bone structure, a sinus lift may be able to change that. By elevating the sinus membrane and adding bone to your upper jaw, we create the necessary foundation for implant placement, paving the way for stable and long-lasting dental solutions.
Long-Term Benefits for Oral Health
A sinus lift not only makes it possible to install dental implants, it also contributes to overall oral health. This procedure helps prevent future bone loss, maintaining the structure of your face and jaw. Plus, it allows for the placement of implants that look and feel like natural teeth, enhancing your smile and chewing ability.
What can I expect during sinus lift surgery?
Consultation and Personalized Planning
Every smile is unique, so our approach is always personalized. We begin with a comprehensive consultation to evaluate your dental health and discuss your expectations. This initial meeting is crucial for crafting a surgery plan that aligns perfectly with your health needs and cosmetic goals.
The Sinus Augmentation Procedure
In the most common sinus augmentation procedure, a small incision is made on the premolar or molar region to expose the jaw bone. A small opening is cut into the bone, and the membrane lining the sinus is pushed upward. The underlying space is filled with bone grafting material, either from your own body or from a cadaver. Sometimes, synthetic materials that can imitate bone formation are used. After the bone is implanted, the incision is stitched up and the healing process begins. After several months of healing, the bone becomes part of the patient’s jaw and dental implants can be inserted and stabilized in this new sinus bone. The sinus graft makes it possible for many patients to have dental implants when years ago there was no other option besides wearing loose dentures.
How is the recovery after a sinus lift?
How to Recover Quickly and Safely.
Following sinus lift surgery, you can expect to receive detailed care instructions from our team. The recovery period typically involves a few days of rest and limited activity. Most patients report feeling minor discomfort, which can be managed with medications prescribed by our surgeons. We schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and prepare for the next steps if dental implants are part of your treatment plan.