When an upper tooth is lost or must be extracted, the patient usually wants some type of restoration to be done afterwards in order to be able to chew well and to enhance appearance. However, after tooth loss in the upper part of the mouth, it’s not uncommon for bone tissue to deteriorate as well. This bone loss makes it difficult or even impossible to successfully place a dental implant into the upper jaw. When this occurs, a sinus lift procedure may be necessary in order to augment the amount of bone available to hold the implant. If there is not enough bone, the implant can fail, or could even perforate the sinus, which is just above the upper jaw area.
The Sinus Lift Procedure
The goal of the sinus lift procedure is to raise the maxillary sinus so that space is created for the grafting of bone to the upper jaw. This provides more bone in which to place a dental implant. After the sinus is raised, bone material that is taken from another part of the patient’s body or that comes from a donor is placed into the new space that is created, and then the surgical incision into the gum is closed with sutures. This can be done with local and/or general anesthesia, nitrous oxide, or intravenous sedation. After the procedure, the patient must wait about four to nine months before getting the dental implant. This time is important as it allows the bone to fuse into the new position. In some cases that involve less bone loss, it may be possible to place the dental implant during the sinus lift procedure.
Call to Schedule an Appointment With a Pennsylvania Sinus Lift Dentist Today
If you are missing upper teeth and need restoration work, call to schedule an appointment with a Pennsylvania sinus lift dentist today. The experienced dental staff at Think Oral Implants and Periodontics can answer any questions you may have about upper jaw bone loss and the sinus lift procedure. We serve the cities of Paoli, Malvern, West Philadelphia, Frazier, West Chester, Norristown, Wayne, Berwyn, Chesterbrook, Devault and surrounding communities. Visit our web page at https://think-oral-implants-and-periodontics.org/, or call us at 610-550-3333 and let us show you how the most modern dental techniques can help to rebuild your mouth today.
