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.
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For some, it might seem unnecessary or an annoying additional cost, but it’s likely the dentist prescribed the procedure because you lack the amount of bone needed for your implant treatment to be a success.
However, here at Maida Smiles, we offer several implant graftless procedures, which can avoid the need for bone augmentations or sinus lifts.
Book a consultation with us below for advice on the correct implant system for you and if, in fact, you’ll need a pre-implant procedure at all.
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What Patients Need To Know
There are some instances where we can position the implant while the sinus is being augmented.
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.
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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But Are Sinus Lifts Really Necessary?
Insufficient bone in the jaw is a huge problem, and it’s commonly presented in most 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 for it to support. 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 dental 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.
But with the advancement of dental technology and implant methods, alternative implant-based treatments like Implant-Supported Bridges or hybrid dentures like All-on-4. Implant-Retained Dentures, for example, will only require a sufficient amount of bone in particular areas.
Book a consultation to see which will be the best for you.
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).
Situations Where We Prescribe Sinus Lifts
- 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 naturally is an air-filled cavity located in the back of the upper jaw. When we perform this procedure, it’s to ensure enough bone is present for us to position your dental implant successfully.
As mentioned above, without the sufficient bone in your jaw, an implant will be not able to anchor securely. It will have an increased chance of implant failure, which is the last thing you want after spending considerable money on your treatment.
The Sinus Lift Procedure
Currently, there are various approaches for a sinus lift and which one will depend on the amount of bone you currently have. More than this, the type of sinus lift procedure we perform will also depend on the type of bone graft and your chosen implant system of choice.
However, here are the basics:
- You will receive a local anaesthetic, which will ensure you remain comfortable during the procedure.
- Next, our dental surgeon will make incisions into the gum tissue, which will 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 into the site, 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. Our tips will include using a saline spray, antimicrobial mouthwash and taking your prescribed course of antibiotics to prevent infection.
