This is David and I am a dental implant educator at Chicago Implant Studio. One of the most common questions I get from our patients at their dental implant consultation session is “What is Sinus Lift and Why is a Sinus Lift Necessary?“
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that adds bone to your upper jaw in the area of your molars and premolars to make it possible to place dental implants. This is often necessary when the bone in the upper jaw is not thick enough or the sinuses are too close to the jaw for dental implants to be placed. This article will explain what a sinus lift is, why it’s performed, and what the procedure involves.
Understanding a Sinus Lift
A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a surgery that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars to prepare for dental implants. The bone is added between your jaw and the maxillary sinuses, which are on either side of your nose. To make room for this bone, the sinus membrane has to be moved upward, or “lifted”.
Why is a Sinus Lift Necessary?
A sinus lift is needed when there is not enough bone height in the upper jaw, or the sinuses are too close to the jaw, for dental implants to be placed. There are several reasons for this:
- Tooth Loss: When teeth are lost, bone loss often occurs too. This is because the bone is no longer being stimulated by the forces of chewing.
- Sinus Size: The size and shape of the sinuses vary from person to person. Some people naturally have larger sinuses that extend into the upper jaw.
- Bone Loss: Conditions like periodontal disease can cause bone loss. In addition, bone loss can occur as a result of aging.
The Sinus Lift Process
The sinus lift procedure involves the following steps:
- Consultation and Planning: An initial consultation with your oral surgeon will be scheduled to assess your oral health, take X-rays, and plan the procedure.
- Surgery: The oral surgeon will cut the gum tissue, lift it up to expose the bone, and cut a small window into the bone. The sinus membrane is then lifted, and the space is filled with bone graft material.
- Healing: The surgical site will be stitched up, and the healing process begins. It can take several months for the bone graft to integrate with the existing bone.
- Dental Implant Placement: Once healing is complete and the new bone is established, dental implants can be placed.
Conclusion
A sinus lift is a beneficial procedure that allows for the successful placement of dental implants in patients who may not have been candidates due to insufficient bone or large sinuses. With advanced surgical techniques and materials, sinus lifts have become a routine and predictable procedure in implant dentistry. If you’re considering dental implants and have been told you require a sinus lift, consult with a dental professional to understand the procedure fully.
If you are looking for state-of-the-art single and multiple tooth to full jaw All-on-4 dental implants, schedule a no-obligation free consultation with Chicago Implant Studio dental implant experts. Schedule a free consultation online today or call us at (331) 257-7999.
