What is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is a surgical procedural that is most commonly recommended for patients who do not have a sufficient amount of jawbone in their upper jaw to adequately support a dental implant. The procedure involves lifting up the sinus membrane in order to create the space necessary to place a bone graft. Once this graft regenerates the necessary amount of bone, a dental implant can then be placed. A sinus lift may be necessary due to the jawbone having deteriorated as a result of advanced periodontal disease, but this area of the jawbone is generally less dense than other areas of the jawbone, which is why sinus lifts are performed as frequently as they are.
Once the bone graft has been placed, it will naturally being to regenerate new bone over a period of months. As soon as enough bone has regenerated, a dental implant can be placed.
Is the Sinus Lift Procedure Safe?
At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our patients, which is why we always perform a thorough evaluation of your medical and oral health history and provide a consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for a sinus lift procedure. This evaluation will include taking a 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan, which will provide us with 3D images of your bone, nerve pathways, soft tissues, and teeth, which allows us to determine the measurements of exiting bone and the health of your sinus cavity.
Aftercare Instructions
While we will do everything we can to ensure the safety and success of your sinus lift procedure, it is essential that you closely follow aftercare instructions provided to you following your procedure, which may include things such as:
- Using a soft bristle toothbrush
- Rinsing gently and letting the water fall out of your mouth, rather than forcefully spitting it out
- Avoid using a Waterpik until you have completely healed
- Resting for 24-48 hours or longer if possible
- Not touching the wound with your finger or tongue
- Hydrating
- Not blowing your nose for as long as possible, as doing so can loosen your stitches or move your bone graft
- Not smoking or using a straw for at least three or four days, longer if possible
- Eating soft foods like yogurt and applesauce
- Using an antimicrobial mouthwash or taking antibiotics as prescribed to reduce your risk of infection
Contact Coastal Jaw Surgery
As leaders in the field of implant dentistry, we proudly offer consultations for patients interested in seeing if dental implants are a viable solution for them. To schedule an appointment for a sinus lift and/or consultation for dental implants, or if you have any questions about the sinus lift and dental implant process, contact us today at (866) 798-5659, or fill out our online form at https://coastaljaw.com/contact-us//
At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we are committed to improving your oral health, aesthetic appearance of your smile, and overall quality of life!