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Posted on 10/10/2015 by Leslie Davis |
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 A sinus lift is a grafting procedure that is typically performed to prepare a site for upper jaw dental implants. There are a variety of reasons why someone may need to have this procedure completed, but there are often unanswered questions about the surgery. Find out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about sinus lifts. Why Might I Need a Sinus Lift?Has your periodontist, dentist, or oral surgeon recommended a sinus lift? Often, this surgery is the first step before a dental implant can be placed into the upper jaw. When the back teeth of the upper jaw are lost, the bone in that area will resorb with time, so the sinuses may expand in order to occupy the newly vacated space. Since there won't be enough bone in place for the dental implant to be inserted, your sinuses will need to be raised to create more space for a bone graft.What Happens During the Procedure? Sinus lift surgery will typically be completed under local anesthetic. Your dentist will make an incision into the gums where the dental implant will be placed in order to expose the jawbone. Then, the jawbone will be cut to create a movable flap that can be pressed gently up into the sinus cavity. The sinus lift is then completed, and the empty space under the cavity where the bone was lost will be filled in with a grafting material. Where Does the Bone Come From? There are several different sources of bone that can be used after a sinus lift is completed. In many cases, the grafted bone will be taken from another place in your jaw or somewhere else in your body. Bone grafting materials like Puros Allografts an also be used instead of bone. This material is made from donated bone particles that have been sterilized to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety. What Are the Benefits of Pursuing a Sinus Lift?There are several advantages associated with a sinus lift. This surgery can benefit people that might not have enough room in their mouth for dental implants, and for patients who have experienced bone loss due to cancer treatments or gum disease, sinus lift procedures may also be useful. To have dental implants put into place, a supportive base is needed in order to hold in the implants, and for many patients, the only way of achieving this adequate support system is via a sinus lift. Additionally, other benefits include:
Are There Any Drawbacks to a Sinus Lift?Like any procedure, there are pros and cons associated with a sinus lift. Time is one of the biggest factors, as it can take a minimum of six months for the sinuses to heal after the surgery before implants can be put into place. At least three repeat surgical processes will be involved, and this can be extremely time-consuming.While sinus lift surgery might seem like a major undertaking, the benefits to patients who have gone through it and were able to have dental implants put into place make the procedure worth it. Will I Have Problems with My Sinuses after the Procedure?A sinus lift is a common procedure and is fairly routine. When it is performed correctly, you won't experience any change to your sinuses, allergies, or breathing.If you still have questions about sinus lift procedures, feel free to contact our office to further discuss the surgery. |
Leslie I. Davis, BDS, DDS, PC 13802 W Camino del Sol Suite 103 Sun City West, AZ 85375-4486 Phone: (623) 584-0664 Fax: (623) 584-1728 Hours:
Monday: 7am-3pm Tuesday: 7am-3pm Wednesday: 7am-3pm Thursday: 7am-3pm Friday: Closed Initial Consultations |
