Some patients considering dental implants may require some prep work before the implant procedure itself. For example, if you’re getting an upper jaw implant, your dentist may have told you about a sinus lift. This is less intimidating than it sounds. Sinus lifts are a common procedure, and they can be critical for creating space to strengthen your jawbone so it can support your eventual implant.
Below, we’ll break down the sinus lift procedure and share why you might need one. We’ll also look at the steps involved, and how recovery works, giving you an idea of what you can expect after one of these procedures.
What is a sinus lift and why would one need it?
The maxillary sinus is the air-filled cavities above the back of the maxilla, or upper jaw. With a sinus lift, the maxillary sinus is lifted to make room for new bone. By grafting new bone in, there will be more room for a dental implant. This is crucial since if you don’t have enough upper jawbone, the implant won’t be able to anchor properly. This surgery will allow the upper jaw to support a titanium dental implant.
Not everyone who requires implants will need a sinus lift. But some people including older patients or those who have experienced jawbone loss may need extra bone material in the upper jawbone to support an implant without issues.
How the sinus lift procedure works
A sinus lift sounds like a lot. But it’s fairly straightforward compared to many other dental surgical procedures. Here’s what to expect:
- Anesthesia: The dentist applies local anesthesia to numb the site to minimize discomfort. They can also provide sedation during the procedure.
- Accessing the cavity: The dentist surgically accesses the cavity near where the implant will be placed via the upper jawbone.
- Lifting the sinus: The dentist gently raises the sinus membrane enough to create space for new bone material.
- Bone graft: The dentist makes an incision in the jawbone and places bone graft material into it to help stimulate jawbone growth. The bone graft material could be sourced from a number of different places, including another bone in your body, a human/animal donor, or even synthetic material.
- Closing the site: The dentist carefully closes the surgical site to finish the procedure.
- Recovery and bone growth: After the procedure, your jawbone grows more bone around the graft material while your body heals up from surgery.
Patients generally experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. However, you may feel a pressure-like sensation.
Healing and moving forward: what to expect after a sinus lift
After a successful sinus lift surgery, your body will start to recover and heal. At the same time, the graft material tells your jawbone to grow more material around it. The result will be a stronger, denser jawbone.
Common side effects after the surgery include swelling and bleeding. However, discomfort doesn’t typically extend beyond a few days. You will be able to return to your regular routine and activities as your doctor directs. Bone growth after the sinus lift can take several months. After this time, your dentist should be able to place your dental implants.
Keep these tips in mind for a smooth recovery form the sinus lift:
- Eat soft and liquid foods
- Avoid too-hot and too-cold foods
- Take prescribed medications as directed (or OTC medication as directed)
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Avoid blowing your nose
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products
- Don’t drink through straws
Once your sinus lift heals, you’ll come in for the implant procedure. You’ll go through another waiting period called osseointegration, where the implant fuses to the jawbone. Finally, the dentist can place the connector piece and dental implant crown to finish your implant and restore your smile.
Prepare for upper jaw implants with a sinus lift
Not everyone will need a sinus lift before getting dental implants in Blue Ridge, GA since it’s for those who have lost some jawbone or lack it for other reasons. If you do, the added time is well worth the results. It’s a routine and highly effective procedure, helping your upper jaw support implants so you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Speak to your dentist if you have any questions about sinus lifts and other aspects of getting dental implants. They can help you put together a custom treatment plan that puts you on the road toward a happy, healthy smile.