What a Sinus Lift Does and Why It Makes Dental Implants Possible

What is a sinus lift?

When you see the phrase sinus lift, it may make you think of a nose job, otherwise known as a rhinoplasty. And that’s a fair assumption. But in the world of dentistry, a sinus lift means something else entirely. A sinus lift has nothing to do with changing the size or shape of your nose. And it’s not even really about helping you breathe better.

A sinus lift is a procedure that affects your upper jaw, and it happens behind the scenes. Specifically, it’s for people with missing teeth who want to improve their smile with dental implants. This treatment helps create more space so that your implant has solid support. Without the extra room, we might not be able to safely place your dental implant. And that’s not something worth smiling about. 

Why Bone Loss Happens in the Upper Jaw 

We know what you’re wondering. Is bone loss in the upper jaw common? And it is far more common than you might think. And it happens quite often when you are missing a tooth.

Here are some factors that can contribute to upper jaw bone loss and the need for a sinus lift procedure. 

• Bone naturally shrinks after a tooth is lost because it is no longer stimulated by the chewing process
• The sinus cavity sits very close to the upper back teeth, which limits the bone available
• Gum disease can slowly wear away the bone that supports teeth
• Some people are born with less bone in their upper jaw
• Aging, certain medications, and injuries to the mouth can also lead to bone loss

What is sinus augmentation?

So then, if it isn’t a nose job, just what is a sinus lift? A sinus lift, also commonly referred to as sinus augmentation, is a dental procedure that creates more room in the upper jaw for dental implants. It works by gently moving the sinus membrane upward to open up space where bone is limited. Once that space is created, bone graft material is added below the raised membrane. 

This graft becomes part of your natural bone and provides a strong base for future implants. The goal is simple. Build enough support in the upper jaw so that dental implants have a stable place to sit and function as intended.

When is a sinus lift recommended?

You’re likely wondering about the answer to the next logical question: Do I need a sinus lift before I can get dental implants? And the answer is, not necessarily. That said, there are some clear reasons why we may suggest this as part of the dental implant process.

Here is when we often suggest or require upper jaw bone grafting.

• There is not enough bone height in the upper jaw to support an implant
• The sinus cavity sits too close to the area where an implant needs to go
• You are planning for one implant, several implants, or a full-arch restoration in the upper jaw

What to Expect During and After a Sinus Lift Procedure

It is important to understand that if we determine that you need a sinus lift; it doesn’t mean that implant dentistry isn’t an option for you. Quite the contrary. However, it will mean that the process will take a bit longer. Generally speaking, the sinus lift procedure in and of itself is pretty simple and takes about one to two hours. Upon completion, your body will need to heal, and this can take several months.

Once your mouth and jaw have healed from the sinus augmentation for dental implants, the actual implant procedure can be done. You can anticipate that your timeline to a beautiful smile will take about six to twelve months from start to finish. 

This includes time for the sinus lift to heal, placement of the dental implant, and the healing period that allows the implant to bond with your jawbone. Once that process is complete, the final restoration can be placed, bringing everything together in a way that looks and feels natural. 

A Sinus Lift Improves the Likelihood of Dental Implant Success

Overall, dental implants have a pretty high success rate. The National Library of Medicine suggests a mean implant survival rate of 92%. But if your jaw doesn’t have the necessary amount of bone structure, your implant is unlikely to last. And likely a dentist or implant surgeon wouldn’t consider doing the procedure in the first place.

If you have missing teeth and insufficient bone in the upper jaw and want a happier and healthier smile, anticipate that you may need a sinus lift procedure before getting upper dental implants. And we’ll let you know if this is a necessity during your consultation for dental implants in Oklahoma City.

Schedule Your Consultation for Implant Dentistry Today 

We don’t want anyone to suffer from an unhealthy smile. And there is nothing quite like dental implants to give you a smile that you’re going to love. To learn more and to see what your dental implant timeline will look like, schedule a consultation today.