What is a Sinus Lift?
When you need to replace a tooth or multiple teeth with dental implants in the upper back area, we often find a lowered sinus in the way. The lowered sinus is a problem because it makes the bone smaller. In this blog article, we will discuss why a Sinus Lift is done, how safe and successful it is, the traditional vs. new techniques, and how long it takes from start to finish.
Why is a Sinus Lift Done?
Bone is the foundation for dental implants to safely be installed in your mouth. If there is not enough bone, implants will become loose and won’t become stable enough to support a tooth on top. In cases where the sinus is too low, the most predictable way to make more bone is to lift the soft lining (membrane) of the sinus and fill it with bone material. The sinus membrane has a lot of blood vessels and will help create stable new bone.
How Safe and Successful is a Sinus Lift?
Traditional Lateral Sinus Lifts have more than 90% success but especially with the new techniques, have become even more safe and successful than ever before. At Blooming Family Dental, we use the latest technology including the CBCT to make sure your sinus is clear of infection or pathology, and that the sinus has clear path to drain any mucus and inflammation. Smoking and Uncontrolled Diabetes can decrease your chance of success. After having a Traditional Lateral Sinus Lift, bruising and swelling is common with traditional sinus lifts, but with newer techniques like Crestal Sinus Lifts, bruising and swelling are very rare. After having a Sinus Lift, you should take proper sinus precautions (Letting every sneeze OUT, NOT blowing your nose) and taking the proper antibiotics.
Traditional vs. New Techniques and How Long it Takes from Start to Finish
Traditional techniques for Sinus Lift is the Lateral Sinus Lift. When there is very little bone left, this is still the only way to grow more bone in your sinus. After a Lateral Sinus Lift, you have to wait 6-9 months until the bone is healed, after which implants can be installed and would have to wait 4-6 months before crowns can be placed on top.
The newer Crestal Sinus Lift techniques, when there is just enough bone, can be done at the same time as placing the implant. This way the implant only has to heal for 4-6 months, and the crown can be placed right after. There are a few techniques that we use at Blooming Family Dental: Versah Sinus Lift and Guided Hydraulic Sinus Lift. Both allow minimal bruising and swelling and faster treatment time.
Am I a Candidate for Immediate Implant Therapy?
At Blooming Family Dental, chances are that you are a good candidate for Immediate Implant Therapy. But the only way to tell for sure is for you to come in for a COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION to take a 3-D X-ray for free.
If you’ve already had a Dental Implant consultation, please visit us for a Free 2nd Opinion and see if Immediate Implant Therapy can save you time and money!
Click HERE to make your Complimentary Consultation with a Free 3-D X-ray (CBCT)
We look forward to meeting you soon!
