Sinus Lift![]() What Is a Sinus Lift?A sinus lift is a bone graft procedure that focuses on the upper rear area of your jawbone. This procedure is also commonly referred to as a sinus augmentation and is used interchangeably. During this procedure, our professionals will start by administering a local anesthetic to numb the surgical site. An incision is then made on either side of your upper, rear jaw. Our professionals will then attach bone fragments to this area in order to complete the lift. Afterward, the incision locations are sutured closed. The bone fragments used in this procedure will usually come from one of two common sources. They will either come from a cadaver or from a synthetic material that is combined with your own bone material. Why Is a Sinus Lift Necessary?A sinus lift is necessary to complete the installation of dental implants in many patients. This portion of your jawbone is generally the thinnest and could have lost density due to genetic predisposition or premature tooth loss. In some cases, a patient';s bone is dense enough in this area to install implants, but the sinuses are too close to the bone and will be impacted by the titanium posts. The added bone acts to "lift" the sinuses and create a thicker barrier between them and the posts. How Long Is the Recovery?As with any bone graft, complete fusion of the fragments and your existing bone is required before implants can be installed. This process can take several months for most patients but sometimes takes an entire year. Our professionals monitor the progress of your graft through the use of digital images, which can be taken every few months if necessary. Once fusion is complete, they can begin the process of installing your implants. The recovery from the procedure is much briefer. Most patients resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure and can resume normal eating and drinking habits a few days after the graft. Our professionals will provide detailed aftercare instructions, such as what foods to avoid so that you do not irritate the sutures. If you have an increased risk of infection, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed. If you are interested in obtaining a brand new smile through the use of dental implants or think you may be a candidate for a sinus lift, then it is time to make an appointment with our team at Brea Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry. During your consultation, our professionals will gather a detailed medical history and collect the data necessary to develop a custom treatment plan for you. You can schedule your appointment and find out if you are a candidate by calling our office at (657) 341-0808 today. |