10 - 2021 - R2 Center for Dentistry

A sinus lift is also known as a sinus augmentation, and is a procedure that is done to help with the placement of dental implants. One of the key things we look at when patients choose dental implants is the bone in the jaw. Dental implants require enough bone in the jaw to create a sturdy base for the implants. If a patient has suffered bone loss, they may require a sinus lift to provide the support needed.

A sinus lift procedure helps to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw, and is common procedure. More and more patients require a sinus lift due to the increase in popularity of dental implants as a choice for restoration.

Why Is a Sinus Lift Necessary?

A sinus lift may be needed if you are missing teeth and do not have sufficient bone near the back of your jaw. The cause of tooth loss can be from genetics, from periodontal disease, or other medical conditions. If a patient has a sinus cavity that is too close to your upper jaw, a sinus lift can also help to create space for dental implants.

What Can I Expect During My Sinus Lift Procedure?

If you chose to move forward with the sinus lift procedure the first step is to determine where the bone used in the procedure will come from. Bone can be used from other areas of your mouth or body, from a cadaver, animal, or a synthetic bone material can be used. Once the bone source is decided, the next step is to take measurements of your jaw and sinus cavity and prepare for the procedure.

A sinus lift procedure takes approximately 90 minutes, and we begin by sedating the patient using local or general anesthesia. The doctor will cut the gum tissue and expose the jaw bone. A small hole will be cut into the jaw bone to allow the doctor to push on the membrane of the sinuses. As the bone is lifted, the doctor can fill the space with the bone grafting material. The area is then closed with sutures.

Once the patient is awake after the anesthesia, they may feel swelling and slight bleeding, but discomfort should be minimal. We recommend to avoid blowing your nose or sneezing because this can cause the bone graft material to move or loosen. Patients should keep their nasal passage moist, and we may recommend an antibiotic or mouthwash to help prevent any infection. Patients should plan to relax for a day or two, and avoid any strenuous activities.

After sinus lift surgery we do require patients to return to our office, so we can check and see how the healing process is progressing. Your stitches may be removed if they have not dissolved, and multiple return visits may be required. The entire healing process form a sinus lift can take about 6 months to ensure the bone heals, and can provide the proper support for dental implants.

Read To Find Out More?

If you are interested in finding out more about a sinus lift procedure, we encourage you to call our office. Our doctors have years of experience in sinus lifts, and provide the very best care for all of our patients. Our consultation process can give you all of the information you need regarding the procedure, and allows you to ask any questions about the process.

At R2 Center for Dentistry, we use the latest technology and equipment, and provide a calm and welcoming environment for our patients. Let us help you take charge of your oral health, and schedule your appointment today.

To schedule your appointment, contact R2 Center for Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Gum and bone grafts may sound intimidating, and you may be worried about the process. The good news is that both types of grafts are common and are both minimally invasive. Bone grafts help to replace missing bone in the jaw to ensure there is a sturdy base for dental implants. Gum grafts help to correct receding gums that have been damaged due to periodontal disease.

After a graft procedure patients may experience some pain and sensitivity. Most patients compare the pain to a tooth removal. Depending on the amount of bone and gum that is grafted will determine how mild or moderate the discomfort is after the procedure. During graft procedures our team uses local anesthesia to keep you pain free and comfortable. Once the graft is complete, patients will start to feel some sensitivity after the anesthesia wears off.

What Can I Do at Home After My Graft Procedure To Stay Comfortable?

Patients can take over the counter pain relief medication, and we may also recommend antibiotics depending on the severity of the graft procedure. Patients can apply ice to the area to alleviate any discomfort. After a graft procedure a cold liquid diet is typically recommended, and patients can also eat very soft foods such as scrambled eggs or pudding. Patients should avoid any hard or crunchy foods during the healing period.

When you sleep you should elevate your head and avoid sleeping on the side where the graft was performed. Refrain from any strenuous activity after grafting to ensure you do not disrupt the healing process. After a few days patients can begin to return to their normal routine, and start to introduce regular foods into their diet.

Are Grafts Worth the Trouble?

If you are wavering at the thought of needing graft surgery keep in mind the pain is very minimal and temporary and the benefits outweigh the recovery. Our doctors have years of experience in gum and bone grafting, and use the latest technology and equipment. The procedure is advanced and our team can treat gum recession, or bone issues quickly and with minimal discomfort. Our goal is to improve the condition of your mouth, and help prevent further deterioration in the future. We encourage patients considering graft surgery to schedule a consultation with our doctor to discuss the procedure, and any concerns you may have.

Your oral health is our priority, and we make sure our patients feel comfortable and at ease when they visit our office. At R2 Center for Dentistry we provide quality dental care patients can trust. Let our team help you take control of your dental health, and restore your smile.

Interested in Scheduling an Appointment?

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment to find out more about gum or bone grafting, contact R2 Center for Dentistry. We always put our patients first, and treat everyone that visits our office like family. We welcome new patients to our practice, and look forward to becoming your preferred provider.

To schedule your appointment contact R2 Center for Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.