What Is a Sinus Lift and Why Might I Need It?

Dental implants are common, as specialists in the United States place more than 3 million yearly. But if you don’t have enough jawbone to support the implants, you may first need sinus lift surgery.

Our dental experts at Oasis Dental Team in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, can help determine if you’re a candidate for this procedure.

Sinus lift basics

If you’re missing teeth and have jawbone loss due to gum disease, tooth loss, or aging — and you want implants — there might not be enough bone to secure your new artificial teeth in place. That’s where a sinus lift comes in. 

Think of it as adding a foundation before building a house. It sounds intense, but it’s actually routine in the dental world. 

How sinus lift surgery works

Sinus lift surgery (sinus augmentation) enhances the quantity and quality of jawbone present where a dental implant must be placed, particularly in the upper back jaw area. This surgery raises your sinus floor to support new bone tissue growth.

Preparing for sinus lift surgery

Our Oasis Dental Team experts determine if you’re a candidate for a sinus lift by reviewing your dental history, goals, and the results of your dental X-rays.

If you’re only receiving local anesthesia, you can usually eat and drink before undergoing sinus lift surgery, but make sure you follow the directions of your provider. 

Your specialist offers sedation to help you relax. If you go this route, you’ll likely need to fast for several hours beforehand. You might also need antibiotics before your procedure. 

Undergoing a sinus lift

Sinus lift procedures last about 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of your condition. 

Your dentist numbs the area, makes an incision to expose your jawbone, creates a small circular cut in your bone, and lifts the bony piece into your sinus cavity. The space underneath is then filled with bone grafting materials (from your own body, donated tissues, or synthetic tissues), and the incision is closed to optimize healing.

New bone tissue gradually develops during the next several months to a year. After healing is complete and your jawbone is sturdy enough to anchor dental implants, you’re ready to complete the placement procedure. 

Sometimes your specialist can place dental implants at the same time as your sinus lift.

Benefits of sinus life surgery

The perks you can expect from undergoing sinus lift surgery include:

• Stronger jawbone
• Ability to receive dental implants
• Restored smile
• Full set of natural-looking teeth
• Long-lasting results

Sinus lift surgery can help you achieve the smile of your dreams without pain, significant risks, or extensive downtime.

Begin your smile makeover journey

Learn more about sinus lift surgery and dental implants for complete smile restoration by scheduling an appointment with our team at Oasis Dental today.