Patients discover what to expect from a sinus lift procedure

Trauma, illness, and poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth and bone loss. Dental implants are a permanent option to replace missing teeth; however, adequate healthy bone is necessary for implant placement. For patients in need of dental implants, a sinus lift treatment may be necessary to create bone structure for the implant placement. Summit Dental of La Mesa offers comprehensive bone grafting and sinus lift procedures for patients in La Mesa, California, and the surrounding areas. 

Sinus lift procedures in La Mesa, California

With healthy teeth in place, the roots help stimulate the jawbone to keep it healthy. When a tooth is lost, over time the bone around the missing root is resorbed. This leads to inadequate bone tissue for implant placement. Bone grafting procedures are necessary to replace the bone and to promote new growth in the area. A sinus lift is one type of bone graft. 

Also called sinus augmentation, a sinus lift is performed to create more bone along the upper jaw. The bone is added between the jaw and sinuses. The sinus membrane is pushed up or lifted to allow room for the bone graft. This treatment adds and promotes new healthy bone for dental implant placement. 

What to expect from a sinus lift treatment

If you have lost a tooth or teeth, an examination is necessary to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Your dentist may suggest a bone graft or sinus lift if you have lost bone tissue. A sinus lift may be recommended for the following reasons: 

• Bone loss has occurred due to periodontal disease.
• Tooth loss has led to bone loss. The longer teeth are missing, the more time there is for bone loss to occur.
• The maxillary sinus is too close to the upper jaw.

Local or general anesthesia is used to maintain patient comfort throughout the treatment. For a lateral sinus lift, your dentist makes a small incision along the premolar or molar region to expose the bone. He creates a small opening in the bone and pushes on the sinus membrane. Bone graft material from the patient or a cadaver is inserted before the incision is sutured and given several months to heal.

Once the treatment area heals, dental implants can be placed. In certain cases, the implant can be placed immediately, but your dentist will let you know what is suitable for your unique situation. 

Benefits of a sinus treatment

A sinus lift is a straightforward, routine procedure with numerous health benefits. Following a sinus lift and implant placement, patients have restored bone health. Having a dental implant in place that mimics the tooth root helps to prevent future bone loss. The sturdy restoration improves the function and appearance of the smile.

Summit Dental of La Mesa offers sinus lift procedures for patients in La Mesa, California, and the surrounding areas. To learn more about our treatments, call us today at (619) 494-2492.