TL;DR: Sinus Lift Surgery may be recommended when there is not enough bone in the upper jaw to securely support Dental Implants. At Bixby Knolls Oral Surgery in Long Beach, your oral surgeon can evaluate your jaw and sinus anatomy to determine whether this additional step is necessary.
- A Sinus Lift adds bone beneath the sinus to help create a stronger foundation for Dental Implants.
- It is often considered when bone has decreased after tooth loss or the sinus sits close to the upper jaw.
- Recovery may include temporary swelling, soreness, and sinus-related precautions.
- Dental Implants may be placed during the Sinus Lift or after the graft has healed.
- While a Sinus Lift can extend treatment, it may make Dental Implants possible when existing bone is insufficient.
If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for Dental Implants, you may be surprised to hear that you need another procedure first. Sinus Lift Surgery is a type of Bone Grafting that can create the bone needed to support an implant in the upper jaw.
At Bixby Knolls Oral Surgery in Long Beach, CA, your oral surgeon can evaluate your bone and sinus anatomy to determine whether a Sinus Lift should be part of your implant treatment plan. Rather than viewing it as a setback, think of it as preparation for creating an appropriate foundation for your Dental Implant.
What is Sinus Lift Surgery?
Sinus Lift Surgery, also known as sinus augmentation, is a Bone Grafting procedure performed in the back of the upper jaw. During the procedure, space is carefully created beneath the sinus membrane. With this adjustment, bone grafting material can be added where the existing jawbone is too shallow to adequately support an implant.
Dental Implants depend on surrounding bone for stability. When there’s not enough bone between the mouth and sinus, a Sinus Lift may help create the height and volume needed for implant placement.
Why would you need a Sinus Lift before Dental Implants?
There are several reasons you may have insufficient bone in the upper jaw.
After a tooth is lost or extracted, the surrounding bone can gradually shrink because it’s no longer stimulated by the tooth root. Periodontal disease may also contribute to bone loss. In other cases, a person naturally has less bone height or a sinus anatomy that leaves limited space for an implant.
Your oral surgeon can use imaging to evaluate the available bone and position of the sinus. If there’s not enough bone for safe, stable implant placement, implant Sinus Lift Surgery may be recommended.
What happens during Sinus Lift Surgery?
The details depend on your anatomy and the amount of bone needed. Generally, your oral surgeon accesses the upper jaw and carefully creates room beneath the sinus membrane. Bone grafting material is placed into that space.
Your body then heals around and incorporates the graft, helping develop additional bone in the treatment area.
Depending on how much natural bone you already have, your Dental Implant may sometimes be placed during the same procedure. If more substantial grafting is necessary, the Sinus Lift may need to heal before the implant is placed.
What are the benefits of Sinus Lift Surgery?
One of the most important Sinus Lift Surgery benefits is that it may make Dental Implants possible for someone who otherwise lacks adequate upper-jaw bone.
Building up the area can provide more bone to support an implant and help your oral surgeon plan placement around your individual anatomy. It can also give patients who have experienced significant bone loss another potential path toward replacing missing teeth with Dental Implants.
The goal isn’t to add an unnecessary procedure. A Sinus Lift is recommended when your oral surgeon determines that additional bone may help create a more suitable implant site.
How does a Sinus Lift affect your implant timeline?
A Sinus Lift can make the Dental Implant process longer because the graft may need time to integrate with your natural bone.
Some patients can have a Dental Implant placed at the same time as their Sinus Lift. Others may need to allow the graft to heal for several months before implant placement. The implant itself then needs additional time to integrate with the jaw before the final restoration can be completed.
Your timeline will depend on factors such as your existing bone, the amount of grafting needed, your health, and your treatment plan.
What is Sinus Lift Surgery recovery like?
Sinus Lift Surgery recovery can include temporary swelling, tenderness, minor bleeding, or a feeling of pressure in the treated area. Many patients experience manageable soreness that improves as healing progresses.
Because treatment takes place near the sinus, aftercare may include special precautions. For example, your surgeon may advise you not to blow your nose or do other activities that increase sinus pressure for a period of time.
Following your personalized post-operative instructions is important. If symptoms worsen unexpectedly or you have concerns during recovery, contact your surgical team.
How much does Sinus Lift Surgery cost?
Sinus Lift Surgery cost varies based on the individual treatment plan. The amount of grafting required, type of grafting material, imaging, Anesthesia or sedation, and whether an implant is placed at the same time can all affect cost.
Insurance benefits also differ by plan. After an evaluation, your surgical team can provide a treatment plan and help you better understand anticipated costs.
A Sinus Lift can be part of the path forward
Hearing that you need Bone Grafting before Dental Implants may initially sound like bad news. In reality, Sinus Lift Surgery is an established approach to addressing insufficient bone in the upper jaw.
Careful planning gives your oral surgeon the opportunity to account for your anatomy before placing an implant rather than trying to work around inadequate bone.
Wondering if you’ll need a Sinus Lift before your implant? Schedule a consultation with Bixby Knolls Oral Surgery, and we’ll map out the right path for your smile.
FAQs about Sinus Lift Surgery
How do I know if I need a Sinus Lift before getting implants?
Your oral surgeon will evaluate your upper jaw using an examination and dental imaging. If there isn’t enough bone between the implant site and sinus, a Sinus Lift may be recommended.
Is Sinus Lift Surgery painful, and what’s recovery like?
Anesthesia is used during the procedure, with sedation options depending on your treatment plan. During recovery, you may experience temporary swelling, pressure, and manageable soreness. Your surgeon will provide specific aftercare instructions.
How long do I have to wait between a Sinus Lift and implant placement?
Timing varies. Some Dental Implants can be placed during Sinus Lift Surgery, while other patients may need several months of healing before implant placement.
What happens if I skip the Sinus Lift and get implants anyway?
If there is insufficient bone, implant stability may be affected, and nearby sinus anatomy may be a concern. Your oral surgeon will determine whether Bone Grafting is necessary before recommending implant placement.
Does insurance cover Sinus Lift Surgery?
Coverage depends on your insurance plan and the reason for treatment. Some policies may provide benefits for Bone Grafting, while others may limit coverage for implant-related procedures. Your specific benefits should be reviewed before treatment.