When having a sinus lift is recommended

If you’re planning on getting dental implants, it’s possible that the dentist may recommend sinus augmentation. The most common reason for sinus lifts is due to jawbone loss or in patients whose upper jawbone is less dense.

Low jawbone density may be caused by:

• Tooth loss – extracting a tooth and not replacing it right away may lead to jawbone resorption where the body absorbs bone that doesn’t have a purpose any longer. This can make the jawbone below the sinus cavity less dense, and difficult to hold an implant.
• Periodontal or gum disease – since gum disease is an active infection, it can erode the jawbone if not managed properly.
• Oral pathology – cysts or tumors can also lead to jawbone loss or lower bone density that affects the stability of a dental implant.

However, you could have perfectly healthy jawbone, but still require a sinus lift due to anatomical reasons like:

• Having a small jaw.
• The location of your sinuses, blood vessels, and facial nerves.
• Enlarged sinus cavities that result in less jawbone to hold an implant.
• The location of the tooth roots and the sinus cavities are too close and may result in perforation unless a sinus lift is performed.

What should I expect for sinus lift surgery and recovery?

There are different approaches to completing a sinus lift surgery and the oral surgeon will decide which method is right for your case. Sinus lifts are often done in conjunction with bone grafts, which add bone to the surgical area. However, sinus lifts are surgical and require incisions and sutures, which is why they should only be performed by a skilled oral surgeon. Additionally, there will be a healing time of about 4-6 months to allow the bone to integrate before an implant can be placed.

You should expect some tenderness and may find that eating soft, cool foods are more comfortable to consume for the first few days to a week following surgery. After that, you shouldn’t experience discomfort during the 4–6-month healing process. Once the surgical site visibly heals, the bone integration happens without you really feeling anything.

What should I do after sinus lift surgery?

Following your surgery, we will provide post-op care instructions. You may be given antibiotics or an antimicrobial mouthwash to help prevent an infection. Most patients benefit from taking anti-inflammatories and applying ice packs to their face to help decrease swelling and ease discomfort, although pain medication may be given in some scenarios. You may find it best to take the day off and rest after your surgery, but most people return to their usual activities within a few days.

What are the risks with sinus lift surgery?

If done by a reputable and experienced oral surgeon, sinus lifts are generally safe and low risk for most individuals.

However, there are still some possible risks to be aware of, including:

• Inflammation at and around the surgical site
• Infection
• Sinusitis that requires additional sinus surgery
• Graft failure, which is rare
• Scarring on the gum tissue
• Allergic reaction
• Tissue or nerve damage

Sinus lifts in Sciota, Pennsylvania

Consider choosing an experienced oral surgeon in Sciota if you’re considering or need a sinus lift. Learn more today or schedule a consultation by calling Quiet Valley Dental at (570) 992-7040.