Why a Periodontist May Require a Sinus Lift Before Dental Implants

If you are currently in the early stages of receiving dental implants in Huntington Beach and you are told a sinus lift is necessary prior to the implants being placed, don’t worry. Sinus lifts are actually a very common procedure that’s done to ensure your tooth replacement is as successful as possible. As you become more familiar with implantation treatment, the periodontist will explain the process in great detail and make sure you are prepared. In the meantime, here’s what you need to know.

What is a Sinus Lift?

While other terms to describe it include “maxillary sinus floor augmentation” or “sinus augmentation,” sinus lifts are common procedures designed to increase the amount of bone tissue available in the upper jaw. It’s a type of bone grafting procedure, which is a common procedure performed in many implantation cases, not just ones centered around dental implants. Sinus lifts in particular focus on the area where the molars and premolars are located.

What is the Treatment Process?

Sinus lifts involve transferring bone tissue from one part of the body (or a donor) to another, which is then prepared before the procedure. In some cases, this bone tissue may be taken from the hip or tibia, but this will be determined by the doctor. After making a small hole in the gums and exposing the jaw bone, a small hole is cut into the bone, making it easier to push the sinus gently upwards. From there, the bone material is packed and the gums are stitched close. The donated bone material will take about four to nine months to fully integrate with the jaw. Once this healing process is complete, dental implants can be safely placed.

Do I Need a Sinus Lift?

When the bone in the upper jaw cannot support dental implants effectively, you’ll likely be told that a sinus lift is needed before you can undergo dental implant treatment. If you have been missing a tooth for a very long time, bone loss can occur rapidly, making it difficult to place an implant. Furthermore, sinus lifts may be needed if:

• The jaw bone was previously damaged
• A cyst or tumor was previously removed
• Bone loss occurred due to periodontitis
• You have a large sinus cavity or a thin jaw bone

Sinus lifts are nothing to fear if a periodontist in Huntington Beach says that you need one. At the end of the day, they are only trying to ensure no complications occur with your dental implant treatment. Call them today to learn more about the process and whether you’re eligible for treatment!

About the Author

Dr. Justin Braga has over 15 years of experience in the field of dentistry and has proven to be exceptional in multiple specialties, including periodontics and implant dentistry. On top of that, he’s trained to help patients regrow new bone, create healthy foundations for teeth, and save patients’ natural dental structure. To schedule an appointment, you can contact him through his website.