A sinus lift is a procedure intended to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw in the areas around the molars and premolars. The bone is added between the jaw and maxillary sinuses, located on each side of the nose. To create room for the bone, the sinus membrane is lifted or pushed upward. Dr. Gold is among the few specialists performing sinus lift in the Newport Beach area.
Patients choose to have a sinus lift when the floor of the sinus is too close to an area where dental implants are expected to be placed. This procedure ensures a secure place for the implants without affecting the sinus. A lower sinus can be caused by long-term tooth loss, periodontal disease, and trauma.
Patients may be good candidates for sinus lift or sinus augmentation if they experience the following:
- Lost more than one tooth in the posterior maxilla
- Lost a large amount of bone In the posterior maxilla
- Missing teeth from genetic causes or a birth defect
- Need a strong sinus floor for multiple implants
The bone used in a sinus lift will come from the patient’s own body, cadaver, or from cow bone. X-rays must be taken before a sinus so the doctor can analyze the anatomy of the jaw and sinus. A CT scan may be required to accurately measure the height and width of your existing bone and evaluate the health of your sinus.
The gum tissue where the back teeth was located will be cut and the tissue raised. This exposes the bone, where a small incision is made to reveal the membrane. The membrane is gently pushed up away from the jaw. Bone-graft material will then be inserted into the space where the sinus was previously located. The amount of bone in use will vary, but generally several millimeters of bone will be added above the jaw.
After the bone is in place, the tissue will be closed with stitches. There may be swelling following the procedure, bleeding may also occur from the mouth or nose. Saline sprays will be provided to keep the inner lining of the nose wet and medication can also be used to prevent congestion and inflammation. After one week, the surgical site will be evaluated and stitches removed. Follow-up appointments are recommended to ensure the healing process is progressing properly.
