Do you need a sinus lift in Dallas? If you are on the brink of choosing dental implants for your tooth replacement but do not have sufficient jaw bone structure, a sinus lift may help. Learn what a sinus lift is, how the procedure works, and what you can expect from sinus lift from Dr. Chilcoat and the team at Texas Wisdom Teeth LLC.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
The sinus lift is a type of bone augmentation that adds bone to the sinus, or the upper jaw. It may be performed in advance of dental implant procedures in the upper back of the jaw. The procedure can help patients who are otherwise ineligible for dental implants enjoy the stability of implant dentistry. The sinus lift is done by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, like Dr. Chilcoat at Texas Wisdom Teeth & Dental Implants.
Why You May Need a Sinus Lift
A dental implant placed in the upper back jaw needs adequate existing bone matter for successful anchoring. There may be insufficient bone structure in the sinus due to a variety of factors, including the following reasons you need a sinus lift.
- Bone loss occurs as a result of periodontal (gum) disease
- Lack of existing bone structure in the upper jaw
- Bone degeneration due to tooth loss
- An enlarged sinus
- A sinus that is too close to the upper jaw for implant placement
What to Expect From Dallas Sinus Lift
The procedure for sinus lift involves removing existing bone and placing it in the weak sinus. The bone used in bone augmentation may come from elsewhere in your body, from a cadaver, or from cow bone (a safe, effective method also called a xenograft).
To place the bone, your dentist exposes the area in the upper back jaw where additional bone matter is needed. The sinus is pushed up to make room for the new matter, which is then packed tightly into the space. Then the tissue is closed, and a recovery period of four to nine months is necessary, depending on how much bone matter is needed. After the bone has healed, you are ready to undergo the procedure for dental implants.
Following Your Sinus Lift Procedure
After you have had your sinus lift, do not blow your nose and try not to sneeze until the stitches have been removed. You may experience bleeding, swelling, and/or discomfort in the first few days. These symptoms should subside over time. If they do not go away, or if they worsen, do not hesitate to contact your oral surgeon. Maintain your scheduled follow-up visits to ensure the area heals properly.
Learn More About Sinus Lift Today
If you’ve got remaining questions regarding your upcoming sinus lift procedure, do not hesitate to get in touch with Dr. Chilcoat’s office. Contact us to discuss bone augmentation today!