Sinus Lift Can Provide a Solid Base for Dental Implants
Ahealthy jawbone is key to the longevity and stability of your dental implants. When there is ample bone density and spacing, the implants will integrate smoothly with surrounding tissues. However, if your sinus cavity is too low or you have been told that you lack sufficient jawbone tissue to support implants, oral surgery such as a sinus lift or sinus augmentation can address the issue and restore your eligibility for receiving dental implants. It is estimated that 20 percent of patients who desire an implant-supported restoration to replace their missing teeth must first undergo a sinus lift. Dr. Lifferth can perform this procedure at his Park City, UT, practice for patients who have insufficient jawbone tissue in their upper jawbone as a result of extensive or prolonged tooth loss.
What is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift raises the floor of your sinus cavity so that your upper jaw has enough room to accommodate dental implants. In addition to raising the sinus cavity, harvested bone tissue can also be inserted to add mass to the upper jaw so it can provide a sturdy base for dental implants. If you have been denied dental implants as a result of poor bone density, you may be an excellent candidate for sinus lift surgery.
Your Consultation
As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Lifferth can both perform your sinus lift and dental implant surgery at our private operating facility. In some cases, both procedures can be performed on the same day, streamlining your recovery and minimizing the number of office visits required. For more complex cases, surgery can be performed nearby at Park City Medical Center.
It is estimated that 20 percent of patients who desire an implant-supported restoration to replace their missing teeth must first undergo a sinus lift.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Lifferth will examine your jawbone using advanced 3-D technology to determine the extent of bone loss and whether surgery should be performed in-office or at the medical center. Once a treatment plan has been established, Dr. Lifferth will explain the procedure in detail, answering any questions you may have. He will also provide you with a list of pre-surgical and post-surgical instructions to assist you in achieving a successful recovery.
The Sinus Lift Procedure
Your safety and comfort are of the utmost importance throughout your oral surgery procedure. Dr. Lifferth offers a number of sedation methods, including nitrous oxide and intravenous (IV) sedation, to ensure you remain calm and relaxed throughout the surgery. Sinus lift surgery is generally performed under IV sedation in conjunction with a local anesthetic to provide optimum comfort.
Once you are comfortably sedated, Dr. Lifferth will extract bone tissue from another area of your body, such as the chin. If your bone tissue is insufficient, tissue can be provided from a donor or synthetically grown. These decisions will be made during your pre-surgical consult.
When the tissue is prepared, Dr. Lifferth will make an incision in the side of your gum line to access the area requiring grafting. Sinus lifts are generally performed on back molars in the upper jaw, directly behind the cheekbone. The doctor will carefully lift the sinus membrane and insert the harvested bone so that it sits between the sinus cavity and upper jaw. Over the course of the next four to six months, the bone tissue will grow and thicken, creating a healthy foundation for your dental implants.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are interested in replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, but are unsure whether you may qualify for the procedure, we invite you to meet with Dr. Lifferth about your candidacy for a sinus lift. Contact our office today online or call (435) 222-0450 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Lifferth.