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Sinus Lifts Before Dental Implants

Do you really need one?

If you have missing teeth and are interested in dental implants, you might have been told by one dentist that you need a sinus lift. And in some situations, this is correct.

Second opinions matter when it comes to a lack of bone in the jaw

For some, it might seem unnecessary or an annoying additional cost, but the dentist likely prescribed the sinus augmentation because you lack the amount of bone and space needed for your implant treatment to be a success. However, here at Maida Smiles, we offer several implant-graft-less procedures that can avoid the need for bone augmentations or sinus lifts.

Dental implants "All on 4" pricing graphic showing £683 per month finance option with smiling senior couple

Are they really necessary?

Sinus lifts cost from £1,950

Insufficient jaw bone is a huge problem, and it’s commonly present in missing teeth cases.

When you ignore gaps in your mouth and decide to live with missing teeth, the jawbone around the site begins to deplete, as nothing remains there to support it. Bone can start to deplete in as little as six months.

So, when we want to replicate a missing tooth with a replacement like dental implants, we need that natural bone structure to secure the implant in place—because dental implants are artificial tooth roots.

Those who have a sufficient amount of bone in the jaw can avoid this scenario. However, for those who don’t, conventional dental implants will not be possible for those not undergoing pre-implant procedures to ensure their success.

However, with the advancement of dental technology and implant methods, alternative implant-based treatments like implant-supported bridges and hybrid dentures like All-on-4 have emerged. Implant-retained dentures, for example, will only require a sufficient amount of bone in particular areas.

What we're best at

Your local dentist for life, Maida Smiles Dental Clinic in Maida Vale,  is a cosmetic, restorative and dental implant clinic in the heart of  London that also serves patients with general, everyday smile concerns.  We’re here no matter your smile concern.

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Maida Smiles dental clinic in Maida Vale, London W9

Google reviews

4,9

I could not be more satisfied with my experience at Maida Smiles - A special mention to Dr Gurteurez who is one of the most friendly and professional dentists I have ever met

Adam

I had my first visit and the team was very warm, caring and professional. The online booking platform makes it very easy to arrange your appointment. Doctor Pedro made me feel comfortable despite this being my first appointment since Covid. He is incredibly knowledgeable and offers you the best treatment for your specific condition. I would highly recommend them

Gian Paolo Ziletti

Professional. Friendly. Informative. Maida Smiles offers great dental services including cleanings, oral surgery and realignment. I feel very lucky to have them so close by. I had an appointment just this week that was quick, thorough and safe.

Emily Chmura

Being very nervous about using dentists after a terrible experience when I was younger, I came to Maida Smiles and loved the calm patient demeanour of Pedro. You can clearly see Pedro and the team take pride in what they do and are perfectionists. The whole experience was great and I will never go to another dentist again.

Reena Nathwani

Delighted with the outcome of my treatment by Pedro. Meticulous attention to detail explaining exactly how the procedure would be carried out from first consultation to completion backed up with supporting guidance notes. Clearly an expert in his field and someone who cares passionately about the outcomes for his patients. Highly recommended.

George Jones

I loved my first visit to Maida Smile Dental Clinic. The staff member at reception was very warm, welcoming and professional. My dentist, Priscilla, and her assistant were fantastic. I have quite sensitive teeth near my gums and I can find the probing and investigation quite uncomfortable during a consultation, but this wasn’t the case at all. I didn’t experience discomfort and felt in very safe hands. This also applied to the hygienist work. I didn’t even have to ask Priscilla to avoid using the ultra sound cleaner on the sensitive areas of my teeth. I’m looking forward to going back, and that’s not often you can say that about going to the dentist!

Simone Gibson

Since I first had the luck to be recommended and book an appointment with Dr. Pedro Gutierres over 8 years ago, I have never trusted my dental health nor my family’s to anyone else. It’s very hard to find a dentist who ticks all the boxes and even goes beyond any expectations you may have, from service, sympathy, professionalism, and expertise, etc., 5 stars are not enough to rate him. I was so happy when he opened his own clinic and surrounded himself with the best professionals you can find, I cannot recommend Maida Smiles Dental Clinic enough.

Sofia Gouveia

Maida Smiles Dental Clinic is excellent!! The staff is very friendly, professional and always aiming for the customers best experience! A special thank you to Dr. Pedro Gutierres who is truly amazing. I am absolutely satisfied with the results and highly recommend this great dental clinic!

Ana Cruz

Dr. Pedro Gutierres is the best Implantologist I have come across. His work is amazing and of very high quality! I would highly recommend him and Maida Smiles to all my friends and family. If you want the perfect smile this is the place to go.

Blossom

“Pedro was so patient and professional throughout my treatment for my implants.. I chose to have my treatment with a local anaesthetic rather than any sedation and have a very bad gag reflex when anything touches the back of my throat. His patience throughout the experience was wonderful, completely putting me at ease and he also gave me a technique to help me in the future. I have seen him for my follow up and fully intend to book an annual visit in 2020. which is no small thing as I live 60 miles away.I can thoroughly recommend him for any treatment.”

Denise Gilbert

I was very nervous to pull my ingrown wisdom tooth. Dr Pedro Guiterres made me feel really comfortable and the job was completed very professionally. It didn’t take long at all and I didn’t feel any pain. I would definitely recommend his service at this practice.

Jihan Daoud

From the day I made my first appointment. The team at Maida smile were amazing. They didn’t treat me like a customer but more like family. They have been great in every step in FINALLY GETTING MY DREAM SMILE from the receptionist to my dentist Pedro Laranjeira I can’t thank you enough and of course Pedro Laranjeira beautiful wife…… they are very professional and understand that I had to change my appointment now and then for work commitments and they were very understand. I will defo recommend them 100% not forgetting how chic the office is

Tracy Mensah

I was very nervous about having a dental implant but was immediately put at ease by Dr Pedro Gutierres. The procedure was explained in full and the care both during and after treatment has been of the highest standard. I received advice on how to look after my implant and have had no problems. I highly recommend.

Dawn Briggs

I had 7 implants installed by Dr Pedro Gutierres, including one which required a bone graft. In my 70 years I’ve had some bad experiences with dental treatment so it takes a lot for me to relax but, from my initial consultation, through to the end of the treatment, I had complete trust in Pedro’s expertise: preparations for the treatment and after-care were extremely thorough and fully explained, the treatment itself was surprisingly endurable (considering what was involved) and the implants have made a major difference to my life. If you are considering implants then I would whole-heartedly and sincerely recommend Pedro for this work.

Russ Hickman

I couldn’t recommend Maida Smiles enough: the care, attention to detail and the way Dentists and Nurses made sure I felt comfortable and safe throughout the treatments was incredible. Dr Pedro explained the treatments in detail to me and I have never felt under pressure to proceed… but I am very glad I did as I am happy and confident to smile again!

Mariana Pinheiro

Highly recommend this place to anybody looking for a friendly and trustworthy practice with an incredibly friendly and patient staff. Dr Pedro has been one of the best dentists I’ve ever had, he made me feel comfortable and were very knowledgeable in explaining every step of what he was doing and answering all of my questions. Amazing thorough the procedure, excellent communication, superb and professional treatment. I hope they keep it this way for a long time.

Joas Souza

Dr Pedro is a very good, confident and experienced professional. I’ve known him for some years now and always felt well cared for, either for small or bigger treatments.The facilities of the clinic are amazing and all the staff are very friendly. Highly recommended.”

Nelson Cafruni

I went to different clinics before, and nobody could really convince me until Maida Smiles did. The team here makes you comfortable , shows you different options and different budgets , and doesn't try to make you go only for one plan. I felt that the team was knowledgeable and wanted to help me , so that's why I decided to start

Diogo

I was referred to Dr. Pedro who did such a wonderful job with my teeth. The staff was extremely professional, they put you at ease, and it just made the whole experience easier. I've never looked back since

Theresa

"I told him, 'I want beautiful teeth, beautiful but natural, I don't want fake looking teeth.' Now I smile, I talk... it just makes you more confident. If you wear a beautiful nice suit... you have beautiful teeth, then it's like a perfect."

Louca

"I went to my hygienist a little while ago, and she said to me they were the best implants that she'd ever seen and she would never have known that they weren't my real teeth."

Sharon

Dr. Pedro explained the process of Invisalign to me. It sounded easy, it was quite a quick process, and the end result is my teeth moved back, so I'm quite happy.

Soula

I feel like I've not just developed a professional relationship with my dentist and the staff... they become more like friends as well, because of the kind of compassion and sympathy that they give you during treatment.

Alvin

"After a friend recommended the clinic, I was referred to Dr. Pedro, who did such a wonderful job with my teeth. The staff was extremely professional; they put you at ease, and it just made the whole experience easier. They have more than met my expectations. I have to have a few more implants, and I'm not afraid anymore. Now, finally, I can live again."

Lesley

"After not having a great experience with previous dental treatments, I was desperate for someone that I trusted. I broke a tooth, and even before I saw Dr. Pedro, he reassured me that I was going to be fine. He made me feel very comfortable and at ease. It was an amazing experience, from not only Dr. Pedro but also all the staff in the clinic, and I would definitely recommend [them] ".

Mariana

I chose Maida Smiles because of the reviews and a friend who was really happy with the results. The results definitely met my expectations. My expressions are much more smooth than before and it really makes the difference

Carolina

I’m very grateful for the quick and efficient service I received when I needed an emergency appointment. The staff were kind and accommodating, and the dentist provided clear, helpful advice that made a real difference. The whole experience was reassuring. Highly recommend their professionalism and expertise!

Safiya Guled

I am always anxious when having to see the dentist and this was one of my first experiences with Maida Smiles. The dentist, Benedict Harrison was very reassuring and immediately put me at ease. He was quite lucid in his explanations of what had to be done, etcetera, and is making good progress with the ongoing treatment. Also, the rest of the staff were friendly and just plain nice.

John Jacobs

Wow wow Dr Claudia is the best dentist in London, my kid adores her and it is always a pleasant visit. Can’t recommend her enough

Bel Cohn

I am delighted with the results of my replacement veneers.

Dr Benedict Harrison was very good at talking me through the whole process and keeping me informed during the treatment if there were any issues - which there weren’t.

He has a charming demeanour which is an added advantage in a dentist, who I think we all agree are not our favourite people, overall a 5 star experience.

Karen Shepherd

I went to the Maida Smiles Clinic for the first time and had the most wonderful experience! I am dentist phobic but strangely left the place with a big smile on my face (literally!). The receptionist was super kind, Susan was impeccable and very helpful, and I had my appointment with the most amazing dentist Dr Mafalda Vilhena. Couldn’t recommend her enough. She explains the whole procedure and is very rigorous in her work. Congratulations to Dr Pedro Gutierres for creating such an excellent working environment and to all the team. I will be back and bringing my family along and we don’t even live in Maida Vale. Thank you for such an impeccable job on my teeth and for taking my fear of dentists away. Note: they don’t cover NHS, only private bookings or with insurance.

Maria Monteiro

Situations Where We Prescribe Sinus Lifts

Arrange a consultation

  • In instances of periodontal gum disease
  • When there is tooth loss in the upper jaw
  • Where reabsorption has taken place after tooth loss
  • Lack of bone in the jaw or around the implant site

Simply put, a sinus augmentation describes lifting the maxillary sinus to make room for a bone graft.

Your sinus is an air-filled cavity located in the back of the upper jaw. When we perform this procedure, we ensure enough bone is present for us to successfully position your dental implant.

As mentioned above, without sufficient bone in your jaw, an implant will not be able to anchor securely. There is an increased chance of implant failure, which is the last thing you want after spending considerable money on your treatment.

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The Sinus Lift Procedure

There are various approaches for a sinus lift and which one will depend on the amount of bone you currently have. The type of sinus lift procedure we perform will also depend on the type of bone graft and the implant system of choice.

However, here are the basics:

  • You will receive a local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable.
  • Our surgeon will make incisions into the gum tissue to expose the bone.
  • To make room for the bone grafting materials, we will cut a small area of the sinus cavity to raise the membrane.
  • Once we have placed the new bone, we will use sutures to close the incision.
  • Following the procedure, we will advise you on how best to look after yourself in the next couple of days.
  • Tips will include using a saline spray, antimicrobial mouthwash and taking your prescribed course of antibiotics to prevent infection.
Male dental patient wearing protective glasses receiving treatment in the dental chair

From single to full arch

For the last 17 years, Dr Gutierres has built a reputation as the full mouth rehabilitation dentist in London, with particular success and expertise in placing immediately-loaded dental implant treatments like All-on-4 (Teeth in a Day).

CAN YOU PLACE IMPLANTS SIMULTANEOUSLY

There are some instances where we can position the implant while the sinus is being augmented.

WHY ARE SINUS LIFTS SO IMPORTANT?

When a sinus lift surgery is performed, it often increases the chance of your dental implants being successful (significantly). In cases with insufficient bone density, a sinus lift will usually be necessary to grow bone in the upper jaw to reduce the likelihood of implant failure.

In our experience, sinus lift surgery only causes minor discomfort, often alleviating within the first few days following surgery. Our patients have also confirmed this with minimal reporting on pain.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF SINUS LIFT SURGERY?

The most common side effects include swelling and bleeding, however, you should not expect this to last more than a few days. Over the course of a week, you’ll receive the go-ahead from the doctor to recommence your regular activities.

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5-star patient review rating at Maida Smiles Dental Clinic

“Pedro is thoroughly professional and talks through your treatment options step by step putting you at ease. Since I had my implants I have never looked back, it has changed my life! I can eat without discomfort and more importantly I can smile with confidence…” Read review.

Joboanna A 07/31/20Read full review.

5-star patient review rating at Maida Smiles Dental Clinic

“I was referred to Dr. Pedro Gutierres for a consultation following the loss of a front tooth. Pedro was brilliant from the start and explained every option I had open to me; he also took time to run through the process after I had opted for an implant. A year on from the first I found myself in need a second implant…” Read review.

Franco Epaminondas 07/31/2019

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