Why Undergo a Sinus Lift Prior to Implant Insertion?
Are you considering dental implants, but your dental professional recommends a sinus lift beforehand? Here’s why this procedure might be essential.
After losing several teeth, you may have opted for dental implants. This is a prudent choice – the implants will completely rejuvenate your smile! However, you might need a sinus lift prior to the placement of the implants. For certain patients, this procedure will guarantee the success of the implants. Fortunately, it is not difficult to determine whether you require this lift. Your nearby dentist can provide all the pertinent details. Consequently, here’s an overview of why you may need a sinus lift before dental implant procedures.
Context: What is a Sinus Lift?
In reality, not all dental treatments focus solely on teeth and gums. Some services aim at enhancing your jawbone – sinus lifts being one of them.
In essence, a sinus lift is a specific type of jaw surgery. It involves grafting bone onto the upper jaw, adjacent to the molars and premolars. To accommodate the additional tissue, it typically elevates the maxillary sinus membrane (hence its designation).
Generally, recovery from a sinus lift takes between 6 to 12 months. The treatment site should be completely healed by the end of this timeframe. Nonetheless, the exact duration may differ by patient.
Why Undergo This Before Implant Surgery?
To be candid, not every implant recipient necessitates a sinus lift. Only those meeting particular criteria require this procedure prior to placement.
Specifically, patients who have experienced bone loss around their upper jaw need a sinus lift. The procedure will introduce new tissue to a compromised section of your jawbone. This would provide the necessary density to adequately support implants, significantly lowering the risk of implant failure.
Frequently, the upper jaw necessitates a sinus lift when:
It has sustained prior damage
A cyst or tumor has been excised from the region
You have experienced bone loss due to periodontal disease
Bone tissue has diminished due to tooth loss
You possess a naturally extensive sinus cavity or slender jawbone
What Can You Anticipate From It?
Overall, a sinus lift encompasses two phases: the preparatory phase and the subsequent surgery. The successful execution of the treatment requires both to be completed.
Preparatory Phase
Prior to the actual sinus lift, you will meet with your dental surgeon. This consultation allows them to understand your aesthetic objectives, oral health condition, and medical history. Thus, they can determine whether a sinus lift is appropriate for you.
Specifically, the consultation may involve dental X-rays or CT scans. These images will enable the dentist to evaluate your jaw in detail. Based on their findings, they will then prepare for your lift procedure.
Surgical Intervention
To execute a sinus augmentation, your dental professional will undertake several procedures. They will initially create an incision in the gum tissue to reveal the underlying bone. Subsequently, they will elevate or “lift” the exposed sinus membrane. After augmenting the cavity beneath with bone granules, they will conclude by suturing the gum tissue back together. The final outcome will be a more robust and denser upper jaw!
If you require a sinus augmentation prior to implant insertion, do not be concerned. Your nearby dentist can perform the former procedure to prepare you for the latter. At that juncture, you will be one step closer to a complete smile!