At Bethesda Dental Implant Center, we understand that many patients are interested in restoring their smiles with dental implants but may be unsure of their candidacy. After spending years with teeth missing in the upper jaw, the bones have often atrophied, or shrunken. This causes a decrease in the height of the bone tissue and can make it difficult to place dental implants without breaching the sinus cavity. In order to make our patients eligible for dental implants, we offer a sinus lift procedure.
To learn more about sinus lifts and how this procedure may help you, please read below or call our Bethesda, MD office.
What is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that is performed to raise the sinus floor and allow for the placement of dental implants. This is performed by packing bone grafting material into the area between the sinus and the upper jaw. The bone grafting material will eventually integrate with the existing bone, providing a sturdy foundation for dental implants. Additionally, it will also raise the sinus floor to its original position; some patients report that this helps their breathing capacity. The benefits of this procedure include:
- Allowing dental implants to be placed in the upper jaw
- Improving sinus function
- Adding volume to the upper jaw
- Creating a stronger foundation for dental implants
Sinus Lift Recovery
If you are considering a sinus lift, you may be wondering what to expect during and after the procedure. At Bethesda Dental Implant Center, our team of experienced oral surgeons will work with you to ensure that you are well-informed and comfortable before, during, and after your treatment.
During a sinus lift, bone is added to the space below the sinus cavity in order to provide a foundation for dental implants. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and some swelling and bruising can be expected afterward. Some patients may also experience congestion and a stuffy nose, but this will subside within a few days. Our team will provide you with post-operative instructions to help you manage any discomfort and promote healing.
Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days after a sinus lift. Our team will closely monitor your healing and progress to ensure that everything is going smoothly. Once your sinus cavity has healed, and the bone has fused with the graft material, you will be ready to move forward with dental implants.
Why Would I Need a Sinus Lift?
As we mentioned, the sinus floor may need to be raised in order to place dental implants. This is often necessary when the bone has shrunk due to tooth loss, as the sinus cavity may now be too close to the jawbone for implants. This procedure is often performed on patients who have had their teeth extracted or who have lost teeth in the past due to injury, decay, or periodontal disease.
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that can dramatically improve the success of dental implants. Bethesda Dental Implant Center is a leading provider of various surgical procedures—including sinus lifts. If you are interested in learning more about sinus lifts or dental implants, we encourage you to call our office or schedule a consultation with our team. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you decide if this treatment is right for you.
Sinus Lift FAQs
Is a sinus lift painful?
A sinus lift is performed under local anesthesia, so patients should not experience any pain during the procedure. Some patients may experience slight discomfort and swelling afterward, but this can be managed with over-the-counter medication.
What if I don’t have a sinus lift?
If you don’t have a sinus lift and lack the proper bone support, dental implants may not be placed in the upper jaw. This is because there is a risk that the implant may penetrate the sinus cavity, which can lead to serious complications.
What is the cost of a sinus lift?
The cost of a sinus lift will vary depending on the individual case. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team so that we can provide you with a more accurate estimate.