A sinus lift is a type of bone grafting procedure used in implant dentistry to increase the available bone mass in the upper jaw. If you already have sufficient bone in your jaw to support dental implants, a sinus lift is not necessary. However, the procedure can make it possible for those with insufficient bone mass to have a successful implant procedure.
How a Sinus Lift Works
One of the first things your periodontist will evaluate to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants is the condition of your jawbone. If you’ve had missing teeth for any amount of time, the bone where the teeth were originally located might have atrophied. If enough of the tissue has been lost, you might not have enough bone to anchor your new implants.
If your new teeth are being placed in your upper jaw, your periodontist might recommend a sinus lift. The sinuses are located above the upper jawbone. They are large, open areas in the facial bones that help humidify the air we breathe and also contribute to the sound of our voices. These cavities are lined with a mucus membrane. A sinus lift involves moving the sinus membranes up to make room for a bone graft that provides an additional foundation for your dental implants.
Can I Have Implants Without a Sinus Lift?
If you have sufficient bone in your jaw to support your implants, you won’t need a sinus lift. However, there are several reasons why you might not have enough bone mass, including:
- Naturally large sinuses
- Sinuses that are located closer to the upper jawbone
- Bone resorption due to long-term tooth loss
Bone grafting is one important way in which implant dentistry can manage this issue so you can still have strong, permanent replacement teeth.
If you have missing teeth and want to know if implants will work well for you, a consultation with your periodontist will help answer your initial questions. Once you know if you’ll need a sinus lift and if you’re a good candidate overall, you can make your decision about how to replace your missing teeth.
To schedule a consultation with our experienced periodontist call 214-443-0876 and make your appointment today.