What is a Sinus Lift?

Patients who are missing teeth in the premolar and molar area of the upper jaw may require a sinus lift port huron mi procedure (also known as a maxillary sinus floor augmentation) to adequately support a dental implant. Bone in this area is typically not as dense as other areas of the jawbone. Additionally, in cases where the tooth or teeth have been 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, also occurs, which causes the underlying bone to diminish in thickness even further.

To correct this, the lower sinus membrane is pushed upwards, and a bone graft is placed. Following placement of the bone graft, new bone begins to naturally regenerate over a period of months. Once enough bone has regenerated, the sinus lift procedure will be complete and a dental implant can be placed, which involves placing a titanium post into the newly developed bone, which now has enough volume to support the osseointegration process. Once the bone and post have fully integrated, the dental crown is finally placed.

Is the Sinus Lift Procedure Safe?

The sinus lift procedure has low risk and a high success rating. The biggest surgical risk is ripping or piercing the sinus membrane, which may necessitate repairing the area and possibly cancelling the surgery. Should this happen, the patient will have to wait for the tear to heal; however, the membrane will grow back stronger and thicker, so a follow up procedure is even more likely to be successful. Additional complications that may occur include sinusitis, itching, pain, inflammation, and infection.

To help avoid these type of issues, diagnostic exams such as X-Rays and CT scans will be taken prior to your procedure to determine whether you have a sufficient amount of bone to support an implant and ensure your procedure is as safe and effective as possible.

If the available bone is insufficient in supporting an implant, a follow up appointment for a sinus lift will be scheduled. To access the sinus membrane, an incision is made in your gums and a small window cut into the jawbone. You will be given a local anesthetic prior to this incision, so you will not experience any discomfort while this is being performed. 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.

Following your procedure, aftercare instructions will be provided, and a follow up appointment will be scheduled to monitor the status of your bone graft. To ensure a fast recovery and avoid complications, it is essential that you follow the aftercare instructions provided to you. While every patient may have different aftercare instructions, one of the most important things following a sinus lift is to not blow your nose and avoid sneezing as much as possible for the first month. If you find yourself about to sneeze, keep your mouth open while doing so.

By following this and other aftercare instructions, you will reduce your risk of developing complications and enjoy a quick recovery.

More on Sinus Lifts : How Long Does a Sinus Lift Take to Heal?