Sinus Lifting

If you are missing teeth, you’ve probably heard of dental implants. Sinus Lifting, on the other hand, isn’t exactly a household term. If your surgeon has recently recommended Sinus Lifting, you’re probably wondering, “what is it and why do I need it?”

Sinus Lifting is a dental procedure that implants a new section of bone into your jaw when you lack sufficient bone mass to support dental implants, or you have recently had a tooth extraction. It is a major graft procedure that uses the patient’s bone tissue or a synthetic bone material to create additional jaw mass.

Let’s explore this topic in greater detail, break down why you may need it, and walk you through the procedure. We’ll also explain some of the outcomes and possible side effects. Let’s get started!

Sinus Lifting is most often used when a patient has previously lost a section of teeth, and they were unable to get dental implants before their alveolar ridge began to deteriorate. When they finally go in for dental implants, they lack the support needed to hold onto the implant.

A Sinus Lifting is a surgical procedure that creates additional support by grafting new bone tissue into the jaw and helps encourage natural bone growth. 

Compared to other bone grafting procedures, a bone block is more invasive than a socket graft, which can be done immediately after removing a tooth, as with wisdom teeth. Additionally, if the bone deterioration is severe, you may also require a sinus lift procedure.

After you have a tooth removed, you may suffer some bone loss if you don’t receive dental implants right away. The alveolar bone is prone to deteriorating if left barren for too long. This is because it helps support and holds onto your teeth. Without any teeth, the bone serves no purpose and will atrophy.

Over time, your jawbone can also begin to deteriorate. As we chew, the pressure from our teeth helps strengthen the jaw muscles and jawbone. Without a tooth in place, that section of your jaw can also begin to atrophy.

THE BONE GRAFTING PROCEDURE

Before you undergo implant surgery, your surgeon will take x-rays and CT scans of your head and jaw to determine whether you have enough bone mass to secure dental implant placement. If you are missing bone mass, your surgeon will refer you to an oral surgeon to have a new section of bone grafted into your jaw.

More often than not, your surgeon will use an autogenous graft, meaning they will take a block of bone from your lower jaw, hence the name “bone block” grafting. Without a doubt, this option can raise the cost of the bone graft procedure. However, by using your existing bone tissue, the risk of implant failure is greatly reduced. As another option, your surgeon may use a donor’s bone.

ALLOGRAFT BONES

Allograft bones are sanitized bone samples recovered from a human cadaver. After an organ donor dies, sections of their bone tissues are harvested and sent off to be used as grafting material. The grafted bone is less likely to be rejected because it matches human bone tissue.

XENOGRAFT BONE

Xenograft bone is another term for a bovine bone sample. A bovine bone graft is less expensive than an allograft or autogenous sample, but it comes with a higher risk of being rejected by the body.

If your surgeon uses a native bone sample, they will begin by removing a section of living bone and then graft it into your oral cavity at the implant site using a set of tiny screws. Once the graft is in place, it will take up to four months to heal completely.

After surgery, your surgeon will prescribe pain killers and a regimen of antibiotics to prevent infections and soreness. If you do not take care of the graft site, complications may develop, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Swelling and soreness
• Rejection of the graft
• Severe secretion of bodily fluid
  

If complications develop, contact your oral surgeon immediately to prevent an implant failure. Once the graft fuses with your upper jaw and new bone formation begins, your surgeon will then be able to place implants and restore your missing tooth.

CONCLUSION

If you suffer from a bone deficiency or have had a tooth missing for some time, your surgeon may recommend that you receive a Sinus Lifting before getting a dental implant. 

It is a proven technique guaranteed to help secure your dental implant in place. For more information, contact one of our Bay Area OSM offices to schedule an appointment and begin your treatment plan.

Considering a sinus lift to pave the way for dental implants? At Bay Area OSM, sinus lifting is more than just a procedure—it's an art. Our highly trained, board-certified oral surgeons possess the expertise and cutting-edge technology to ensure that your sinus lift is performed with the utmost precision. Serving the Bay Area from 12 strategic locations, our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care that caters to your unique needs. At Bay Area OSM, we prioritize patient comfort, safety, and lasting results. If you're seeking top-tier sinus lifting services in the Bay Area, trust our seasoned team to guide you through every step, ensuring optimal outcomes for your oral health. Elevate your dental implant journey with our unparalleled sinus lifting expertise.