Sinus Lift - The Importance of a Sinus Lift for Successful Dental Implants

Dental implants have become increasingly popular over the years as a long-lasting solution to missing or damaged teeth. However, some patients may require additional preparation before undergoing the implant procedure, and one such preparation is a sinus lift. A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that helps increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw by lifting the sinus membrane to make room for bone grafting. In this blog, we'll explore why a sinus lift is important for successful dental implants and everything else you need to know about the procedure.

A sinus lift is an essential part of preparing the upper jaw for dental implants as it helps ensure the long-term success of the implants. When teeth are lost, bone resorption can occur, and the sinus cavity can expand, leaving a small amount of bone between the sinus and the oral cavity. Implant placement without a sinus lift can lead to inadequate bone support, which can cause implant failure or complications. Therefore, a sinus lift helps provide a solid foundation for dental implants, allowing for proper healing and integration with the jawbone.

Before undergoing the procedure, your dentist will give you preoperative instructions, such as avoiding aspirin and other blood-thinning medications for a few days before the surgery. During the procedure, you will receive local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia depending on your needs. Your dentist will then make an incision in the gum to access the sinus cavity and lift the membrane, creating a space for the bone graft material to be placed. After placing the graft, the incision will be closed, and the healing process will begin.

After the sinus lift procedure, you can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising around the treated areas. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter options like ibuprofen to manage pain. You will also need to follow strict postoperative care instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activities, smoking, and using a straw. Follow-up visits with your dentist ensure that the healing process is progressing well.

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks involved, like bleeding and infection. Some patients may also experience sinus problems, like congestion or infections. Additionally, some grafts may fail to integrate with the jawbone or fracture during the healing process. However, these complications are rare, and your dentist can recommend ways to minimize the risk of these potential issues happening.

If you prefer to avoid a sinus lift, your dentist may recommend an alternative treatment option, such as a zygomatic implant. A zygomatic implant utilizes the cheekbone for support instead of the upper jaw bone. This procedure is a less invasive option where surgical placement of the implants can be done with a single surgery, which can be less expensive and time-consuming.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, a sinus lift is crucial for successful dental implant procedures. Without it, patients may experience complications or implant failure down the road. If you're considering dental implants, it's important to consult with a dental professional who can explain the sinus lift procedure and recommend the best treatment options available. Remember, proper preparation and understanding of the procedure is key to ensuring that your dental implant treatment is successful in the long run.

What Some of Our Patients are Saying

Mariaelena Carrillo
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Everyone is very friendly and understanding! I got my wisdom teeth removed from this location and I wasn’t feeling too good after and they helped watch over me and next thing you know I’m feeling way better after a few minutes of their help!:) I come back in for my checkup appointment and they were super helpful with any questions I had and the healing process went smoothly!
Rosebud
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This is a very conscientious Practice. I Love my Periodontist Mr. SHELDON LU, DMD, MS he is caring, Extremely thorough , Answers all my questions with pleasure. Office staff Nancy, Maria and the rest of the staff there are same as Mr. SHELDON LU!! I’m glad I found him , and his wonderful staff. Makes a difference to me when people care. I would recommend this office anyone five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️from me , thank you for everything.
Victoria Shebala
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Dr Lu is an excellent periodontist. He doesn’t believe in giving a patient too many medications when they are not necessary. He really cares about his patients. He makes sure to keep the patient’s teeth and gums clean to prevent any serious gum disease. I am one of his patients and highly recommend him. The members of his office staff and assistants are very professional.
Queenie Zhao
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The clinic recommended by a friend specializing in the treatment of periodontal disease provided me with satisfactory service from the appointment to the post-operative period. Dr. Lu is very professional,he’s so considerate and gently answered my questions, he also taught me how to take care of my teeth every day. The front desk and the dental assistant are very warm and polite too.
Peterzj Luo
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Small office, but very cozy and friendly. This is my first visit. I am very much impressed by Dr. Lu's professionalism and expert knowledge. He did a thorough examination and explained treatment options in easy-to-understand language. I feel very comfortable and well treated. I definitely would come back and recommend to others.
Farhat Farooqui
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I was nervous before my tooth extraction and grafting procedure, but I knew I was in good hands with Dr Sheldon Lu and his staff. Dr Lu’s expertise and gentleness, and his staff’s efficiency and genuine concern for the patients made the surgical experience as pleasant as such a procedure can be. I would recommend Iconic Periodontics 100% to anyone. Thank you, Dr Lu and staff!
Stilian Halembakov
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Very friendly and nice team. Dr Sheldon Li is soft-spoken and gentle, thorough in his dental expertise without pushing for a decision on proposed action plan. Highly recommended !
Julisa T
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I love this dentist office. The front office is always kind, professional and very efficient. The dentists are always gentle quick and do an amazing job. I am a big chicken when it comes to any kind of invasive procedures, even minor ones. But I always feel at ease when I come here.10 ⭐️’s
Jennifer Joy Miller
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From the first point of contact on the phone I knew IPDI was a great place. After meeting Dr. Sheldon Lu, it was clear we’d found a gem. Dr Sheldon Lu and his team are professional, genuinely kind, caring and confident. You feel like not only have you met a great dentist, but made a new friend. Dr. Sheldon Lu is an honest dentist who instills trust in his patients by being upfront and genuine. I appreciate each staff member as well. Kind, clear and positive people work here.
Phuongut Huynh
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I had a wonderful experience at this place . Service was fast and the staff were very friendly. They made sure all concern I had about my teeth were answer . They took time to answer my questions and explain everything well to me . I came for a regular check up and cleaning done . The place was very nice. I usually don’t liked coming to a dentist office but for sure I will return back for my next checkup and cleaning Thanks to Dr Sheldon luu and his wonderful staff for such taking good care of me !

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