Have you ever noticed how something stays hidden in plain sight until it finally lands on your radar? A new word, a fresh idea, even a body part you hadn’t thought twice about; once it’s brought to your attention, you start to notice it everywhere. Suddenly, what was once background becomes part of your daily awareness. The sinuses work the same way. Tucked above the upper teeth, they rarely cross our minds. That is, until a hint of pressure, a shift in bone, or a conversation with your dentist brings them to the forefront. Once that awareness is sparked, it’s hard to ignore the sense of fullness, pressure, or simply the knowledge that these hollow spaces exist. And for some people exploring dental implants, this is exactly when the term “sinus lift” enters the picture.
Do I Need a Sinus Lift?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that we place into the jawbone to support a crown, bridge, or denture. When we place dental implants in the upper back jaw, we often encounter a challenge: there simply isn’t enough bone to support them securely. This is where a sinus lift becomes essential. A sinus lift is a treatment procedure we use to increase bone volume in the upper jaw, particularly in the area of the molars and premolars.
So, why do patients lose bone in this area? After tooth loss, the jawbone begins to shrink because it no longer receives the natural stimulation that tooth roots provide. Over time, the maxillary sinuses, which are hollow chambers above the upper jaw, may expand downward into the area where bone once existed. This change reduces the available bone height and makes it difficult to place implants securely.
We typically recommend a sinus lift when patients have experienced significant bone loss in the upper jaw. This may be due to tooth loss, periodontal disease, or the natural position of the sinus. Without enough bone, a dental implant may not integrate properly or remain stable. A sinus lift helps correct this by rebuilding the bone so the implant has the support it needs to succeed.
What To Expect From Your Treatment
Direct Sinus Lift: Building a Strong Foundation
When a patient has very little bone in the upper jaw, we perform what’s called a direct sinus lift. This method allows us to add a larger amount of bone to create the stability that implants require.
We begin by applying local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Then, we carefully make a small incision in the gum near the back of the upper jaw. From there, we create a tiny opening in the outer wall of the bone to access the sinus cavity. Then, we lift the sinus membrane upward, making space between the sinus and the jawbone. Into that space, we place bone graft material.
Finally, we close the gum tissue with sutures and allow time for healing. Over the next several months, the new bone will integrate with your natural jawbone, creating a secure foundation for your dental implants. This approach is more involved, but it gives us the ability to build up significant bone when needed.
Indirect Sinus Lift: A Less Invasive Option
For patients who still have some upper jawbone remaining, we may recommend an indirect sinus lift. This method requires less healing time and can sometimes be done at the same time as implant placement.
After numbing the area, we access the sinus through the same opening where the implant will be placed. Instead of making a separate incision in the side of the bone, we use a narrow channel to reach the sinus floor. Then, we gently raise the sinus floor by tapping it from below. If needed, we add a small amount of bone graft material through the same opening. When there is enough existing bone, we may be able to place the dental implant immediately.
This technique is ideal when only a small increase in bone height is required.
Create a Strong Foundation for Long-Term Results
If you don’t have enough bone for implants, a sinus lift may offer a practical and effective solution. This procedure restores the bone needed for long-term stability using techniques that are precise, comfortable, and tailored to your needs. Many patients are surprised to learn that even after years of bone loss, implant treatment is still possible. Book a free consultation to learn more about your options.
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