Will You Need a Sinus Lift Before Dental Implants?

When you decide to get dental implants to replace your missing teeth, you may not be able to have them placed right away. Depending on the state of your mouth and jaw, your dentist may determine that certain preliminary procedures need to be completed before you can qualify for dental implant surgery. In some cases, this might mean getting a sinus lift. Here’s a closer look at what this oral surgery involves and why it may be a necessary step of the dental implant process.

What Does Getting a Sinus Lift Mean?

A sinus lift is a type of bone grafting procedure that’s performed near the back of the upper jaw where the molars and premolars are usually located. During the treatment, the floor of the sinus membrane (which is located just above the upper teeth) is gently lifted up. After that, the now-empty space under the membrane is filled with grafting material, thereby building up the jawbone.

Why Might You Need a Sinus Lift Before Getting Dental Implants?

You might need to undergo a sinus lift if you are specifically getting dental implants in the upper jaw near the back of your mouth. This area tends to have less bone density compared to the rest of your jaw, especially if you have already experienced bone loss as a consequence of missing teeth. As such, a sinus lift may be necessary to thicken and strengthen the jawbone to the point where it can provide your implant posts with the support they need.

It should also be noted that the maxillary sinuses happen to be located very close to the upper jaw. This means that placing dental implants right away could potentially end up damaging the sinuses. With a sinus lift, the sinus cavity can be moved away from the jaw, thus creating the room required to safely place implant posts.

What Can You Expect During and After a Sinus Lift?

At the start of the sinus lift procedure, your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Then the gums in the upper jaw will be opened so that the upper jawbone can be accessed. A hole will be created in the bone, and the sinus membrane will be lifted upward. The space below the membrane will be filled with grafting material (which is often bone tissue taken from a donor or another part of your body) before the gums are sutured shut.

It takes time for your body to fully recover after a sinus lift. The healing process typically takes a matter of months; once it’s complete, you will be ready to move forward with your dental implant surgery. Your dentist will give you tips for taking care of your mouth in order to help the healing process go as smoothly as possible.

In short, having a sinus lift performed could be an essential step on your path toward reclaiming a complete, functional smile. Of course, not all patients require a sinus lift before getting dental implants; the only way to know for sure what sort of preliminary treatments you’ll need is to schedule a consultation with your dentist.

About the Practice

At Ellicott City Smiles Dental Group, our dentists and specialists go the extra mile to help patients achieve their smile goals. When you visit our office, our team will always treat you with integrity and empathy, and we’ll customize your care to meet your specific needs. Not only can we place dental implants in-office, but we also offer sinus lifts and other types of oral surgery. If you think dental implants are the right choice for rebuilding your smile, you can schedule an appointment with our team by visiting our website, using our online booking tool, or calling (410) 465-3224.