For years, the only treatment options for people with missing teeth were dentures and bridges. Now, people can get dental implants. This treatment option has become more popular. However, to have a successful dental implant, one has to have enough bone in place.
Sometimes, a patient may not have enough bone in place for several reasons. Periodontal disease and tooth loss can cause bone loss. A doctor may need to perform a sinus lift surgery to correct this situation before getting dental implants.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is also known as a sinus graft or a sinus augmentation. Medical specialists perform this procedure, such as oral surgeons or periodontists. A sinus lift makes more room for new bone to install a dental implant. Without enough bone space, a dental implant cannot anchor properly and may cause discomfort when chewing.
Normally, a periodontist will recommend a sinus lift if you have less than 6 millimeters of bone on your jaw. The back of the jaw is a common area that most patients require a sinus lift surgery because the area has a low bone quality and less bone quantity. The sinus membrane has to be lifted or moved upward to create more bone space.
What Happens Before a Sinus Lift?
If you need a sinus lift, the periodontist has to determine where to get the extra bone. Different types of bones can be used, the most common being:
Bone from a cow - referred to as Xenograft
Bone from a cadaver - referred to as Allogenic bone
Bone from the patient’s body - referred to as Autogenous bone
To know what exactly you need, your surgeon will take an X-ray of your sinuses and jaw.
Sinus Lift Surgery Procedure
A surgeon starts by cutting the gum tissue to expose the bone underneath. Then the doctor cuts into the existing bone and makes a small circle. The small piece of bone is lifted into the sinus cavity space. The surgeon then fits a bone graft in the hole.
Finally, the specialist will close the incision to allow the area to heal. It takes four to 12 months to heal after a sinus lift surgery. You can have a dental implant surgery after complete healing of the area.
Recovering From a Sinus Lift Surgery
After a sinus lift surgery, the patient may experience some swelling and discomfort around the operated area. Also, the patient may experience mild bleeding from the mouth or nose. However, if the bleeding and swelling continue a few days after the surgery, the patient should contact their surgeon.
Patients should also avoid blowing their noses or sneezing to prevent loosening the stitches or moving the bone graft material. The surgeon gives the patient some pain medication, antibiotics, and sometimes, a saline spray to keep the nose moist.
The patient should go for a follow-up appointment a few days after the surgery. In some cases, the patient may need to visit the dentist several times to monitor the healing progress properly.
To learn more about getting a sinus lift before getting dental implants, visit Marine Park Periodontics and Implantology at our office in Brooklyn, New York. You can call 646-863-4810 today to schedule an appointment.
