When it comes to receiving dental implants, some patients need a little more help, such as a sinus lift.
A sinus lift is a surgical treatment designed to allow the dental implant to successfully and safely fuse with the jaw. In some patients, there isn’t enough bone height in the upper jaw to allow for a successful dental implant. A sinus lift will place a bone graft between the upper jaw and the sinus membrane that is close to the back teeth or molars. This will then fuse with the jaw, allowing us to go ahead and successfully carry out a dental implant treatment.
Facts and FAQs
Sinus lifts are one of the most common ways we can help prepare a patient for a successful dental implant.
The loss of bone height and density in the sinus cavity is fairly common, especially among patients who have experienced tooth loss.
Sinus lifts can also be necessary because of an accident or injury, gum disease, a complicated tooth extraction, or having a cyst or tumour removed.
They are carried out by professional dental surgeons, and we’re lucky enough to have such doctors on our team here at Alban City Dental & Surgical Centre.
The treatment process:
- First, we’ll take X-rays and possibly CBCT scans of the jaw and sinus so that we can accurately measure the height and width of the existing.
- The treatment is carried out under anaesthetic, and dental sedation is available to keep you comfortable and relaxed throughout.
- Your dental surgeon will then cut into the gum, opening a window in the jawbone, revealing the sinus membrane.
- The new bone material is then placed in this space with a collagen membrane to keep it in position before we close it up with stitches.
How long does it take to heal fully?
The healing process usually takes 4 – 9 months, after which we’ll be able to go ahead with your dental implant treatment. You’ll come into the practice so we can check on your progress 7 – 14 days after the procedure.
Will it hurt afterwards?
Recovery from a sinus lift can take a little while, and patients should expect to have some swelling in the mouth and possibly a little bleeding from the nose and mouth. If you’re in pain after the treatment, then over-the-counter medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen will be able to help.
What is the bone graft material made of?
In most cases, the material used in your sinus lift will come from your body, a cadaver, animal bone, or synthetics. If using bone tissue from the patient’s body, it is often taken from the hip. In such cases, the treatment is carried out under general anaesthetic in a hospital.
Do you still have questions or simply want to book an appointment? Get in touch with us online or call the practice on 01727 614 751.
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