- - What is the Purpose of a Sinus Lift?
- - When is Sinus Lift Necessary?
- - Who Is a Candidate for a Sinus Lift?
- - How is a Sinus Lift Performed?
- - What to Expect During and After Sinus Lift Surgery?
- - Conclusion
- - FAQs
Tooth loss is a prevalent dental concern affecting a significant number of people around the globe. If you are missing one or more teeth, you will likely be interested in replacing them as soon as possible. It may be disappointing to learn that you will need to undergo a sinus lift procedure before you can move forward with getting dental implants.
In this blog post, we are going to provide an overview of the characteristics of the sinus, the situations in which its removal is necessary, and the reason behind this procedure before dental implants are performed.
What is the Purpose of a Sinus Lift?
The sinuses are small, hollow spaces located behind your cheekbones and forehead, connected to the interior of the nasal cavity. The bone within the sinuses is lined with a thin membrane.
A sinus lift or augmentation is a surgical procedure that can help ensure the dental implant is successful. The bone in the maxilla (where your premolars and molars are) needs to be strong and big enough to support the implant. If it's not there yet, the dentist will lift the membrane in the sinus cavity and add more bone underneath. This is where the procedure gets its name. Over time, the new bone will fuse with the existing bone.
When is Sinus Lift Necessary?
There are a few reasons why a sinus lift might be needed. If there isn't enough bone to anchor the implant properly, it can fail. But why wouldn't someone have enough bone in their jaw? It could be that someone was born with big sinus cavities or a thin jawbone. However, it's most often needed because of bone loss over the course of one's lifetime. Bone loss can be caused by one of the following:
- Aging
- Periodontal diseases
- Mouth cancer
- Loss of teeth in the upper jaw causing the bone to be reabsorbed
Prior to performing a dental implant procedure, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive clinical assessment to determine if a sinus lift is necessary. This assessment will encompass an in-depth examination of the mouth, gums, and teeth, along with imaging studies such as X-rays. Dental implants are often a costly investment, making it crucial to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to achieve optimal results.
Who Is a Candidate for a Sinus Lift?
There are several factors that may contribute to the inability of the upper jaw to serve as a suitable foundation for dental implants: