Sinus Lift in Bowie, MD
Some patients who need dental implants don’t have enough bone mass in the upper jaw and sinus for the procedure. Without sufficient jaw bone mass, it is impossible to place implants securely, but there are a few alternatives. A common recommendation in these cases is a sinus lift, promoting bone growth in the maxillary sinus cavity floor.
What is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, or sinus augmentation, is a bone grafting procedure. It aims to increase bone mass in the upper jaw and enable secure anchoring of dental implants.
The maxillary sinuses, which are air-filled spaces, are behind the cheeks and above the upper jaw. The area is within reach of some upper teeth roots. When a patient experiences tooth loss due to periodontal disease, it often results in upper jaw bone loss.
If this happens, the dentist will usually recommend sinus augmentation, a surgical procedure that increases the amount of bone there.
Sinus Lift Procedure: What to Expect
During a sinus lift surgery, the dental surgeon will make a small circle incision in the premolar or molar area and the sinuses. The surgeon will gently elevate the sinus lining, filling the space below with natural or synthetic bone graft material and then closing the incision.
Typically, a patient will receive intravenous anesthesia during sinus lift surgery.
Following surgery, the area will need time to heal (usually around six months). The graft should permanently integrate with the patient’s jaw, providing enough bone mass to stabilize any dental implants.
Sinus Lift Recovery
Some common risks of a sinus lift procedure include blood loss and infection. Minor swelling and moderate pain are normal in the initial recovery period, and a successful recovery includes:
- Avoiding forceful nose-blowing
- Sneezing with an open mouth
- Saline sprays to keep the lining of the nose moist
- Prescription drugs, including antibiotics and decongestants
- Antimicrobial mouth rinse to prevent infection
Please contact our dental care provider if you experience excessive pain, swelling, or bleeding that doesn’t improve after 48 hours.
Professional Sinus Lift in Bowie, MD, with Superior Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
If you are wondering whether you have a sufficient amount of bone to support dental implants, you can relax. Schedule an appointment with us at Superior Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, a family-owned dental practice serving patients in Bowie, MD.
Our dentists will happily advise you on the procedures and provide personalized counseling to help you determine whether a sinus lift is an optimal solution for you. Call us at (301) 464-2323 today.