A sinus lift procedure is a way to create additional bone in the upper molar region in order to create enough bone to act as a foundation for a healthy dental implant. A sinus lift procedure is only necessary when there is not enough bone in this area to anchor dental implants. During your consultation appointment your surgeon will use 3D imaging to determine whether or not a sinus lift procedure is needed to place dental implants in the upper molar region. Fortunately, new technology and improvements in dental implant planning has allowed the sinus lift procedure to be needed less frequently. Two common types of the sinus lift procedure have been developed, vertical and lateral.
The vertical sinus lift is a relatively new, minor procedure that can be performed at the same time as dental implant placement. During this procedure the floor of the sinus is pushed up through the hole created for the placement of the implant and ~2mm of bone is packed over the top of the implant. This is extremely useful when only several millimeters of bone is needed to appropriately stabilize a dental implant. Recovery from the vertical sinus lift is no more than that expected for the placement of the implant itself so patients recover quickly and do not have to wait for any additional time for graft healing prior to implant placement because both procedures are performed at the same time. When only a few millimeters of bone is needed the vertical sinus lift is an excellent alternative to the lateral sinus lift.
The lateral sinus lift is a more extensive procedure performed when significant bone has been lost in the upper molar region. When indicated procedure is very reliable and does not cause any long term changes in your sinus function or drainage. The lateral sinus lift can build back 10mm or more of your natural bone and can be used to anchor dental implants in patients with severe bone loss. However, it takes longer for the bone to fully develop, typically 6 months, before implants can be placed in this area.
Learn more about the procedure, how it’s performed, and what you can expect before and after sinus surgery with our experienced team.
Preparing for a procedure is easier when you know the steps before and after sinus surgery. There are various steps in the process to restore your bite. The placement of implants and later the abutments and prosthetics will come after sinus augmentation.
Although there can be some variation from case to case, the initial steps are usually as follows…
You’ll want to know about pain and pain management before and after sinus surgery. The healing process can take three to six months. We will review a post operative pain management strategy with you and most pain should subside after the first week.. The worst of the swelling and pain will subside in the first fourdays after sinus augmentation.
You’ll be given plenty of information and support before and after sinus surgery. Your surgeon will take the time to explain the procedure and the specific surgical approach for your case. Everyone’s surgery can look a little different, so it’s important that you understand the steps. This can help you to become more comfortable and avoid anxiety before and after sinus surgery.
In the initial days after sinus surgery, your diet will consist of soft foods. You can return to your normal diet after one or two weeks, avoiding hard foods and chewing around the area of treatment.
Can you drink alcohol after sinus surgery? It’s best to avoid it for at least two weeks. After that, you should limit alcohol after sinus surgery as much as possible. Drinking alcohol after sinus surgery can compromise your immune system and may make the recovery take longer. Alcohol after sinus surgery can also dry the gums and cause complications.
You can resume moderate alcohol after sinus surgery once you are fully healed from both the augmentation and the placement of dental implants. For your oral health and your overall health, it’s best to minimize alcohol after sinus surgery, even when looking at things long-term.
To learn more about your candidacy for dental implants and a potential sinus lift procedure, book your appointment at Peninsula Oral and Facial Surgery at 650-342-0213. Dr. Fagin can develop a treatment plan to restore both the aesthetic and function of your smile.
Your surgeon will recommend a sinus lift procedure (also known as sinus augmentation) when you don’t have enough bone at the back of the mouth to support dental implants.
The sinuses are natural cavities just behind the upper jaw. By lifting the sinus and performing a bone graft, your surgeon can create a stable foundation for a dental implant or dental implants.
Treatment with dental implants involves inserting a titanium post into the jaw bone. Through a process known as osseointegration, the implant post will fuse with the jaw, creating a stable foundation for an abutment and prosthetic tooth (or dentures in some cases). Without a sinus lift procedure, the implant wouldn’t have enough space to anchor and integrate.
Not everyone will need a sinus lift procedure to have implants placed into the upper molar area. The most common reason to need sinus augmentation are…
Having the procedure will ensure that you can get the treatment you need to fully restore the function of your bite. A sinus augmentation will provide long-term benefits and will prevent further bone deterioration.
The surgery itself will be comfortable and performed in our state-of-the-art dental office. You can have intravenous sedatives administered to ensure you’re relaxed and to give your surgeon time to work safely.
You’ll be given postoperative instructions for home care, and a follow-up consultation will be scheduled.