When you decided to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, your hope was to do so right away, which is understandable! But in your research about the treatment, you keep seeing an unfamiliar term again and again: “sinus lift.” Apparently, it’s an additional procedure many patients need before they can get dental implants. Why is this the case, and more importantly, will you require one? You’ll find the answers to these questions and more below.
First Things First: What is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is a type of bone graft, which is used to build up and strengthen bone in an area where it has weakened. With dental implants, the health and density of the jawbone are two of the most important factors when it comes to long-term success. But, it naturally starts to shrink following tooth loss. A sinus lift reverses this process and gives a patient’s new teeth a solid foundation, ensuring they will stand the test of time.
How Does a Sinus Lift Work?
A sinus lift is specifically used to thicken the back portion of the upper jawbone. It gets its name due to the fact that in order to create room for the new bone, the sinus membranes (which sit right above the jaw) need to be shifted slightly upward. Otherwise, placing an implant in the area risks the delicate membranes being punctured, and no one wants that!
Do You Need a Sinus Lift?
Fortunately, you don’t need to figure this out on your own. Typically, your general dentist as well as the oral surgeon placing your implants will determine this after examining your mouth and taking a CBCT scan. It is usually recommended for patients who have been missing their upper back teeth for a long time because this means the jaw in the area has had time to atrophy. However, the positioning of the sinus membrane or types of implant posts needed may call for the procedure as well.
The best way to think about a sinus lift is NOT as an extra step toward your new smile, but rather it guarantees that your teeth will last for decades to come. The procedure is completed in a single appointment, and the recovery time is pretty minimal. It’s especially short when you consider that implants have a 30+ year lifespan!
About the Practice
Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, & Implant Surgery proudly offers a wide range of restorative dental treatments designed to fully rebuild compromised smiles. As experts in dental implants in Burke, we’re able to perform the placement surgery as well as sinus lifts if necessary to provide a more seamless experience. If you have any questions about dental implants or would like to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (703) 775-1021to get in touch with our Burke office.