Sinus Lift

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Sinus Lift Procedure

Providing a Solid Base for Dental Implants

A healthy jawbone is key to the longevity and stability of your dental implants. When there is ample bone density and spacing the implants will integrate smoothly with surrounding tissues. However, if your sinus cavity is too low or you have been told that you lack sufficient jawbone tissue to support implants. Oral surgery such as a sinus lift or sinus augmentation can address the issue and restore your eligibility for receiving dental implants.

It is estimated that 20 percent of patients who desire an implant-supported restoration to replace their missing teeth must first undergo a sinus lift. Dr. Plant can perform this procedure for patients who have insufficient jawbone tissue in their upper jawbone as a result of extensive or prolonged tooth loss.

What is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift raises the floor of your sinus cavity so your upper jaw has enough room to accommodate dental implants. In addition to raising the sinus cavity, harvested bone tissue can also be inserted to add mass to the upper jaw so it can provide a sturdy base for dental implants. If you have been denied dental implants as a result of poor bone density, you may be an excellent candidate for sinus lift surgery.

The Sinus Lift Procedure

Sinus lift surgery is generally performed under IV sedation in conjunction with a local anesthetic to provide optimum comfort. Once you are comfortably sedated, Dr. Plant will make an incision in your gums, to access the area requiring a graft. Sinus lifts are generally performed on back molars in the upper jaw. Then he will carefully lift the sinus membrane and insert grafting material so that it sits between the sinus cavity and upper jaw. Over the course of 6 to 9 months, the bone tissue will grow and thicken, creating a healthy foundation for later placement of dental implants.

Under specific favorable conditions, Sinus lifts may be performed in conjunction with having a dental implant placed. In this surgery, both procedures would be performed at the same time, and the need to wait 6 to 9 months for implant placement would be eliminated.
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