What is a Sinus Lift?
Above your upper teeth is a maxillary sinus, or an air filled space that the roots of some teeth extend into. Often, if these teeth are extracted, only a thin sinus wall will separate the maxillary sinuses from the mouth. This can be problematic because dental implants need sound bone structure to support them. This means that when the bone wall is thin, dental implants can be impossible to place.
If the sinus wall is too thin, our oral surgeon may recommend a sinus augmentation. In this common treatment, Dr. Michael Shnayder will raise the sinus floor and place new bone formation. A sinus lift is designed to promote new bone growth to make a dental implant possible.
Am I a Candidate for a Sinus Lift Procedure?
At Village Pointe Oral Surgery, we may recommend a sinus lift if you are missing:
- Multiple teeth in the back of your jaw
- Supporting bone structure in your jaw
- Teeth because of a medical condition or a birth defect
- Proper support for a dental implant
How is this Oral Surgery Accomplished?
A sinus augmentation is usually performed with local anesthesia, but other types of sedatives are also effective. Typically, during a sinus augmentation, the jawbone will be uncovered. Next, a small cut is made in the bone, which will allow the membrane to be pushed upward. The exposed area is then filled with material that will allow for bone grafting. After the bone is placed, the incision is closed and after months of healing, the bone becomes part of the patient’s jaw. After the mouth has healed, a dental implant can be placed successfully. Please feel free to contact us today if you have any questions about the benefits of a sinus lift in Omaha, Nebraska.