Sinus Lift If you are thinking about getting dental implants, you may have been told that you need a sinus lift. But it may not be clear how the procedure works, or why you would need one. Luckily, the experts at New Life Dental are here to help.What Is a Sinus Lift?A sinus lift, also called a maxillary sinus floor augmentation or sinus graft, is a surgical procedure designed to increase the amount of bone around the upper back jaw, or posterior mandibula. By placing a bone graft, the floor of the sinus - the hollow passage above the jaw - is raised and strengthened. This procedure is used for patients who need dental implants but do not have enough bone density to safely place the implants. Why Do I Need a Sinus Lift?Above your upper teeth sit two hollow, air-filled spaces, called the maxillary sinuses. Some of the roots of your upper teeth actually extend up into these sinuses. When teeth are removed, the bony floor of these sinuses can become very thin. If you need dental implants, the bone simply may not be thick enough or dense enough to support the titanium rods used for dental implants. How Does it Work?As part of your work-up, you will receive a CT scan to evaluate the profile of your upper jaw, and may need to undergo a small procedure to harvest bone if you plan to use your own bone material for the graft. On the day of the procedure, you will receive anesthesia. Local and general anesthesia are most common, but IV sedation and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) are also sometimes used. There are several techniques used for this procedure. One of the most common techniques, called lateral wall sinus augmentation, is to make an incision in the gums, then cut a small circle of bone out of the upper jawbone. Then that circle of bone is pushed upwards into the sinus like a trap door and filled with bone graft material. The bone graft can be prepared from donor material or from your own bone matter. If using your own bone matter, it is usually taken from your hip or tibia ahead of time. After the bone graft is placed, your gums will be closed and sutured shut. It takes approximately six months for the bone graft material to become a part of your jaw. Once the graft is stabilized, the dental implants can be placed. Osteotome sinus augmentation is another technique that can be used if you have enough bone height in your back upper jaw. This minimally invasive surgical technique allows for the placement of the graft and stabilization of a dental implant on the same day. Both of these surgical techniques allow for dental implants to be placed in areas that would have been otherwise impossible. Am I a Good Candidate For a Sinus Lift?If your upper jawbone cannot support dental implants, you may need a sinus lift procedure. The surgery is indicated for people who have lost multiple back teeth, or were born without them, have lost significant bone density in their upper back jaw, and have a strong need for dental implants. The best candidates are in good general and oral health, have good oral hygiene, and do not use tobacco. How Do I Get a Sinus Lift?Here at New Life Dental, we are dedicated to providing each and every patient with the highest level of care. By working with you to determine your individual needs and priorities ,we will design a treatment plan that is personalized for you. Call (227) 258-3188 to schedule your consultation today. |
 Office HoursMon-Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm *Closed for lunch 12-1pm Mon, Tues, Thurs & 1-2pm Weds Fri: Closed |
