Despite the popularity of dental implants, not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure. For instance, those who experience bone loss are unlikely since the lack of bone mass will not provide the necessary support to keep the implants stable. Fortunately, there is where a sinus lift comes in handy. A sinus lift (also known as maxillary sinus floor augmentation) is a surgical procedure that grafts a bone to the upper jaw. The maxillary sinus will be lifted to make more space for bone augmentation. A specially trained medical professional, a periodontist or an oral surgeon usually performs the surgery.
Why consider a sinus lift before getting dental implants?
There are numerous reasons why a sinus lift becomes necessary before a dental implant procedure. Here are some:
- If a patient has acquired damage to the jaw due to a difficult tooth extraction or trauma
- Bone loss due to the presence of periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease
- Unattended tooth loss that caused the bone to recede
- If a tumor or cyst has been removed from a certain area on the jaw
- The patient has a naturally thin jaw bone and a large sinus cavity
Recovering from a sinus lift
The patient will experience swelling and bleeding days following the procedure. If the discomfort continues for more than two days, it is best to contact the dentist. To prevent a sinus infection, the dentist will prescribe medications for the patient. Blowing or sneezing too hard can cause the stitches to dislodge or even remove the bone graft material; so, it is vital for the patient to avoid doing so. Several visits to the dentist will be needed to check the healing progress of the sinus lift.
Let us at Steele Dental Specialties secure your dental implants with our Sinus Lift procedure in Coppell, TX. Our dental office is located at 225 E. State Hwy. 121, #150, Coppell, TX 75019. Our team of dental professionals will provide you the service you deserve! Contact us to schedule an appointment.