Sinus Lift Dallas
Prepare Your Upper Jaw for Dental Implants
Dental implants are a truly excellent tooth replacement option, but they come with a complex treatment process. Some Dallas patients require one or more preliminary surgical procedures before they can move forward with rebuilding their smile. For example, you might need to undergo a sinus lift. What exactly is a sinus lift, and what can you expect from this service? Continue reading below to find out.
Why Choose Lincoln Park Periodontal and Dental Implant Group for Sinus Lifts?
- Highly Trained Periodontal Specialist
- Multiple Forms of Sedation Available
- We Are Firmly Committed to Excellent Care
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is basically a special type of bone graft that is exclusively for the upper jawbone. Similar to a regular bone graft, it involves grafting material into a portion of the jawbone where it is lacking in density, strength, or size. However, before the graft is placed, an additional step is necessary. The sinus cavity must be moved upward.
A sinus lift is necessary in cases where the upper jaw is not thick enough to support dental implants. This procedure can prevent implants from penetrating the sinus membrane and causing complications.
Indications for a Sinus Lift
Not everyone who needs dental implants for their upper jawbone requires a sinus lift. Our team will use advanced imaging equipment to examine your oral structures and determine whether a sinus lift or other preliminary procedures are necessary.
You might need a sinus lift if:
- You have a naturally thin or weak upper jawbone.
- You have lost some bone density in your jaw due to gum disease.
- Bone resorption after the extraction of your natural teeth has reached the point where your upper jawbone has lost a significant amount of its density.
- You have a naturally large sinus cavity.
The Sinus Lift Process
You can expect to feel little to nothing during the sinus lift process. We will thoroughly numb your mouth, and we may administer sedation as well. Once you are settled in, Dr. Barnett will create an incision in your gum tissue in order to expose your bone. Then, an opening will be created in the bone so the sinus membrane can be gently move upward. Next, a block of bone tissue will be inserted beneath the sinus and secured into place. To finish the surgery, the gums are closed with sutures.
You may experience swelling and discomfort for 1 – 2 weeks after your surgery. Thereafter, your mouth should feel fairly normal. However, it may take 4 – 9 months for your bone to heal and integrate the grafted tissue. After that has occurred, you may become eligible to receive dental implants.