People losing one or more teeth can find relief from their condition with the help of dental implants. However, the jawbone must be healthy and strong to ensure the success of the implant. A sinus lift is a procedure performed before dental implants are implanted in patients with weak or brittle jawbones. Discuss your options with a certified Los Gatos orthodontics.
How Does a Sinus Lift Work?
A sinus lift is a dentistry procedure that augments the floor of the sinuses in the upper jaw to provide room for dental implants. Bone grafting is done to fortify the top of the jaw just behind the sinus opening. The sinus membrane is gently lifted during surgery to make way for new bone. Your upper jaw will be sturdy enough to hold an implant once the grafted material has been incorporated into your body.
Could a Sinus Lift Help You?
When there is significant decay of the upper jawbone, a sinus lift may be a possibility. As time passes after a tooth extraction or tooth loss, the jawbone gradually weakens. It’s possible that your dentist will suggest a sinus lift if you’ve been wearing a denture or dental bridge for a long time without having it adjusted or if you’re missing teeth and haven’t had any restorative work done on them.
Furthermore, a sinus lift may be necessary if:
A close relationship between the maxillary sinus and the upper jaw increases the risk of implant penetration. If this is the case, a sinus lift procedure can help by increasing the volume and density of the bone in the sinus cavity, creating a more stable foundation for the implant.
For patients with periodontal disease, a sinus lift may be required prior to dental implant placement. Extreme receding of the jawbone is a common symptom of this disorder.
When tooth decay is not treated, it can travel to the bone, weakening it to the point where an implant would no longer be a viable option. Before placing an implant, a sinus lift might help give the necessary support.
A dentist or oral surgeon’s examination of your mouth is the only way to determine whether or not you need a sinus lift.
So, Here’s What to Anticipate
An oral surgeon will work with you to identify a suitable bone supply prior to your sinus lift procedure.