Sinus Lift in Fort Worth, TX
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that is performed to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw, specifically in the area where the molars and premolars are located. This procedure is necessary when there is not enough bone height in the upper jaw to support dental implants.
If you are considering dental implants but have been told that you do not have enough bone structure in your upper jaw, a sinus lift may be necessary to ensure the success of your implant procedure. At Custom Periodontics & Implantology in Fort Worth, TX, our experienced team can perform sinus lift surgery to prepare you for dental implants.
What is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars. The procedure is also sometimes called a sinus augmentation or sinus elevation. The goal is to create enough bone height to support dental implants. This procedure may be necessary when the bone in this area deteriorates due to missing upper teeth, making it difficult or impossible to place an implant without additional bone support.
Who Needs a Sinus Lift?
You may need a sinus lift or other additional procedures if you have lost teeth in the upper jaw and have experienced bone loss in the area. This can happen due to severe gum disease/periodontal disease, birth defects, facial trauma, or simply as a natural result of aging. It’s essential to have adequate bone support for dental implants, so if you have insufficient bone density, a sinus lift may be required. Your oral surgeon can evaluate your bone density with an x-ray or CT scan to determine whether a sinus lift is necessary.
What Does the Sinus Lift Procedure Entail?
First, our oral surgeon will do an initial consultation to determine if you need a sinus lift in order to be a candidate for implants. On the day of surgery, the periodontist will make a small incision in the gum tissue in the area where the bone needs to be added. They will then lift the membrane that lines the sinus cavity and pack bone material into the space created between the membrane and the existing bone. This bone material can come from your own body or be a synthetic material. Once the bone is in place, the incision is closed with stitches.
You may experience some swelling and discomfort during the first few days of the healing period. Your periodontist may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to help manage any discomfort and prevent infection during the healing process, and they will provide aftercare instructions for maintaining the surgical site.
What is the Recovery Process Like After a Sinus Lift?
After your oral surgery, you will need to rest and avoid strenuous activity for a few days. You may experience some swelling and discomfort, but this should subside within a few days. You will need to eat soft foods for the first few days and avoid hard, crunchy foods that could damage the surgical site. You will need to avoid blowing your nose, smoking, or using a straw for several weeks after the procedure to prevent dislodging the bone graft.
You will also need to take care to keep the surgical site clean to prevent infection and promote proper healing. Your periodontist will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your mouth during the recovery period. You will need to avoid brushing or flossing the surgical site for the first week, but you can gently rinse your mouth with salt water to help promote healing.
Find Out More About Sinus Lift Surgery in Forth Worth, TX
At Custom Periodontics & Implantology, we specialize in periodontal disease treatment and dental implant placement. If you need a sinus lift, our experienced team of periodontists can provide you with the care and expertise you need to achieve a healthy, functional smile. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our sinus lift procedure.
