Restoring Bone Structure for Dental Implants
At The Fine Tooth Company, we provide sinus lift surgery as part of our comprehensive dental implant services. This procedure is often necessary for patients who do not have enough bone in the upper jaw to support dental implants. Our expert oral and maxillofacial surgeon ensures the procedure is performed safely and comfortably, helping you achieve the best results for your dental implants.
Sinus lift surgery (also known as maxillary sinus floor augmentation) is a procedure designed to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw, specifically near the molar and premolar areas. It’s a crucial step for many patients who wish to receive dental implants but have insufficient bone in the upper jaw due to bone loss from gum disease, tooth loss, or trauma.
The procedure involves lifting the sinus membrane (the lining of the sinus cavity) and grafting bone material into the space created. This bone can be your own bone, donated bone, or synthetic bone material. Over time, the bone graft will integrate with your jaw, creating a stable foundation for dental implants.
Without enough bone in this area, dental implants cannot be placed securely, making sinus lift surgery an essential step in the implant process.
Your oral surgeon will assess your jawbone using X-rays or CT scans to determine the amount of bone available and if a sinus lift is necessary.
During the surgery, an incision is made in the gum to expose the bone. The sinus membrane is then gently lifted, and bone graft material is placed in the space created. The procedure may take 1-2 hours depending on the complexity.
After the surgery, you will need a recovery period of 4-6 months to allow the bone graft to integrate with your jawbone. During this time, you may need to avoid heavy physical activities to ensure proper healing.
Once the bone has healed, dental implants can be placed, providing a secure foundation for crowns, bridges, or full arch implants.
1. How long does the sinus lift surgery take?
The procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity and whether you’re having local or general anaesthesia.
2. Is sinus lift surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the surgery. Mild discomfort may occur after the procedure, which can be managed with pain medication.
3. How long does it take to recover from sinus lift surgery?
The healing process takes about 4-6 months, allowing the bone graft to integrate with the jawbone before dental implants can be placed.
4. What are the risks of sinus lift surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks, including infection, sinus membrane perforation, and poor graft integration. However, these risks are minimised with our experienced oral surgeon and careful planning.
5. Can I have dental implants immediately after sinus lift surgery?
No, the bone graft needs time to heal and integrate with the jawbone. Typically, you will need to wait 4-6 months before dental implants can be placed.
6. Is sinus lift surgery covered by insurance?
Sinus lift surgery is often considered part of the dental implant process and may be covered by insurance. However, coverage varies by plan, so it’s best to check with your provider for specifics.
If you’re considering dental implants but need sinus lift surgery to restore bone structure in your upper jaw, The Fine Tooth Company is here to help. Our expert oral surgeon and dental team will guide you through every step of the process, from initial consultation to the final placement of your implants. Call (03) 9723 1100 or book online to schedule a consultation and find out if sinus lift surgery is right for you.
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