Why Do I Need a Sinus Lift?

When teeth are missing for some time, the socket of the tooth that is now vacant begins to collapse, which causes the surrounding bone to diminish in width and height. Pneumatization, expansion of the sinus cavity, also occurs, which causes the underlying bone to diminish in thickness even further. Patients who are missing teeth in the premolar and molar area of their upper jaw may require a sinus lift procedure, as bone in this area is typically not as plentiful as other areas of the jawbone.

If you have a missing tooth or teeth in your upper jaw and would like to have a dental implant placed, you may be a good candidate for the sinus lift port huron michigan procedure, a safe and effective method for regenerating the necessary bone to adequately support a dental implant.

The Sinus Lift Procedure

An initial examination will be necessary to determine if you are a good candidate for the sinus lift procedure. This will involve a review of your oral and health history. Diagnostic exams such as X-Rays and CT scans will also be taken to evaluate whether you have a sufficient amount of bone to support an implant, or if a sinus lift is necessary. This information will also ensure your procedure is as safe and effective as possible and determine the optimal placement of your dental implants.

If the available bone is insufficient in supporting an implant, a follow up appointment for a sinus lift will be scheduled, during which the sinus membrane is accessed by making an incision in your gums and cutting a small window into your jawbone. Once the sinus membrane can be accessed, it is pushed up and the graft is positioned. Following this, your gums are stitched shut and the sinus lift procedure will be complete.

Please note: you will be given a local anesthetic prior to this incision, so you will not experience any discomfort while this is being performed. If you have any concerns about potential discomfort or are anxious at the thought of having the sinus lift procedure performed, ask your periodontist about what dental sedation options are available.

How Long Does the Process Take?

A sinus lift is an outpatient procedure and can usually be completed in under two hours. Most patients will recover from the procedure within two or three days, but it is important to closely follow aftercare instructions to ensure a quick recovery and avoid complications.

The regeneration of bone will naturally take place over the coming months. The length of time will vary from patient to patient, which means it will be necessary to schedule follow-up appointments until your periodontist is satisfied that enough bone has grown back to support the dental implant. Once this stage is reached, the titanium post responsible for holding your replacement crown is placed, after which you will have to wait another four months for this post to fully integrate with the bone.

While it may require multiple appointments over an extended period of time, by the end of this process you will have a fully restored, fully functional, natural feeling smile.

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