What Is a Sinus Lift and Why Would I Need One?
Dental implants are a popular treatment method for people with missing teeth. With dental implants, patients have a titanium stud implanted into their mouth, which is later restored with a dental crown.
There are many benefits of dental implants over other replacement options, like dentures or bridges. Primarily, dental implants are fixed in the mouth and mimic a natural tooth. However, implants require adequate bone volume to achieve stability and function.
When dental implants are considered in the upper jaw, an additional procedure known as a sinus lift may be required. This article will discuss what a sinus lift is and why you might need one.
Sinus Lifts: Explained
During a sinus lift, a surgeon creates a tiny window into the bone of the upper jaw to access your sinus. The sinus membrane is then gently elevated and the space is filled in with a bone graft. A sinus lift is typically an outpatient procedure and takes up to six months to fully heal.
Why Would I Need a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift may be required if a patient requires implant placement in the upper jaw. Once a tooth has been pulled due to dental decay, tooth fracture, or periodontal disease, the body begins to resorb the bone that supported the tooth.
As bone in the upper jaw decreases in volume, there’s a smaller distance between the crest of your upper jaw and your sinus. This means that if an implant was placed without a sinus lift, the implant may penetrate the sinus.
The symptoms that may occur as a result of an implant communicating with the sinus are:
- Sinus infections
- Nasal bleeding
- Nasal obstruction
- Pain and discomfort
Therefore, sinus lifts are a preventative procedure to gain bone volume before placing a dental implant.
If you’re considering dental implants after tooth extractions, you may require a sinus lift for successful implant surgery. Sinus lifts may be combined with stem cell therapy to promote tissue regeneration. Review the network of providers at Regenerative Medicine Now to learn more!
