Do You Need a Sinus Lift?

October 17, 2014

483261555A sinus lift, sometimes called a sinus augmentation, is an oral surgery during which bone is added to the upper jaw between the molars and pre-molars. This type of surgery has become common practice before dental implant procedures. If there is insufficient bone height in the upper jaw, or if there is not enough room between the sinuses and the jaw for the implants to be properly placed, sinus lift surgery may be needed. You made need a sinus lift if you have reabsorbed bone due to tooth loss, bone loss due to gum disease, or a maxillary sinus that’s too close to the upper jaw for implants to be placed. The shape and the size of the sinuses vary from person to person and can get larger as you age. For your dental implant consultation, make an appointment with Dr. Banda at Cranbrook Dental Care today. Cranbrook Dental Care proudly serves patients throughout Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak, Clarkston, Troy, and Birmingham, MI.

Sinus Lift Procedure

For the sinus lift, the oral surgeon first cuts into the gum tissue above the back teeth. This tissue is then raised, exposing the jaw bone. A small, oval window is cut into the bone. The membrane lining the sinus on the other side of the window that separates your sinus from your jaw is gently pushed up and away from your jawbone. Bone-graft material is then packed into this empty space. Usually several millimeters of bone from your own body, from a cadaver or from a cow bone is added. Once the bone is in place, the tissue is stitched back together. The dental implants will be placed four to nine months later, allowing time for the grafted bone material to mesh with your jaw bone. The healing time depends on the amount of bone used.

Sinus Lift for Dental Implants in Bloomfield Hills, MI

As part of your consultation to get dental implants, the dentist will take oral x-rays to determine if a sinus lift procedure is needed. If you’re thinking about dental implants, get the process started today by making an appointment with Dr. Banda at Cranbrook Dental Care. Dr. Banda is an experienced and caring oral surgeon, proudly serving patients throughout Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak, Clarkston, Troy, and Birmingham, MI and surrounding areas.