Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option available today! They replace the roots of the missing teeth and are made from biocompatible titanium, so they offer a wide range of benefits, including stability, comfort, and longevity. To get dental implants, some patients require preliminary treatments, like a sinus lift. Read on to learn more about sinus lifts and why they are sometimes needed.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is a procedure that is performed to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw. It involves making an incision in the gum tissue and a hole in the upper jawbone. From here, your dentist can gently push your sinus upward before performing a bone graft. This will give your future dental implants a strong foundation to support them. Lastly, the gums are closed so the area can heal.
Why Are Sinus Lifts Needed?
When you have endured tooth loss, your jawbone is no longer stimulated in those areas when you chew your food. Because of this, your body will start to reabsorb the bone, making it shrink over time. Dental implants help to prevent this because they replace the roots of the missing teeth, allowing for jawbone stimulation again. If you have already encountered bone loss from tooth loss, your jawbone might not be strong enough to support dental implants in the long run. This is where bone grafting can help.
Bone grafting is the surgical procedure in which missing bone tissue is replaced. Since your sinus is located right above your upper jaw, it might need to be gently pushed upward for the bone graft to take place. Once the site has completed the healing process, your bone will be stronger and healthier. This gives the dental implants a much higher chance of being successful. Here are some situations where you may need a sinus lift:
- You have been missing teeth for a long time
- You have a naturally large sinus cavity
- You have a naturally thin jawbone
- A cyst or tumor has been removed from the area
- You have experienced trauma to the jawbone
- You have bone loss due to periodontitis
A sinus lift might sound like an inconvenience in the way of getting your new smile, but sometimes one is necessary to support healthy dental implants and reduce the risk of complications. You will be showing off a complete smile in just a matter of time.
About the Author
At Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery, we have a team of board-certified oral surgeons serving patients in the Burke community. If you are interested in replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, they would be happy to help. For more information about dental implants, or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (703) 425-5010.