Sinus lift surgery is often recommended before placing dental implants. This is because patients must have adequate quality and quantity of bone density for the dental implants to be successful. Patients without adequate bone density are not candidates for dental implants, but that can change!
In many cases, the upper back jaw, near the sinus, has insufficient bone density making it extremely difficult to place the implant. Sinus lift surgery can correct this problem so that the dental implant is successful.
Here, we’ll answer the most common questions patients ask about sinus lift surgery.
1. Am I a candidate for sinus lift surgery?
Most patients who need sinus lift surgery are good candidates for it. To determine your candidacy, an oral surgeon will examine your mouth for healthy teeth and gums. He will also take X-rays and other images to ensure you actually need the procedure.
Additionally, candidates must have the qualities:
- Not a heavy smoker
- Not on anticoagulants
- Have a good understanding of the potential risks of surgery
- Willing to follow pre- and post-surgical instructions.
2. What are the benefits?
When the surgery is complete, patients can expect to experience these advantages:
- Candidacy for dental implants: The most obvious benefit is that patients will finally be able to receive dental implants for their missing teeth. Undergoing this surgery raises the patient’s success rate and lowers the risk of complications.
- Restored upper jawbone strength: A lack of jawbone density could be due to excessive tooth loss, periodontal disease, aging, or various other factors. Sinus lift surgery reverses the damage caused by these issues and restores the strength of the jaw.
- Safety: Though sinus lift surgery sounds invasive (and maybe a little scary), the procedure is usually completed with little to no complications.
3. What happens during sinus lift surgery?
To begin, the oral surgeon will administer a combination of anesthesia and sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, he will make a small incision in the gums along your upper jaw and access the area between the sinuses and jawbone. Grafting material or donor tissue is used to reposition the floor of the sinus. Once complete, the incisions will be closed with sutures.
4. What does post-surgery look like?
Patients can expect to experience normal post-surgical symptoms such as bruising, swelling, and discomfort. The oral surgeon will provide specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site. These instructions include applying ice packs as needed, avoiding strenuous activities, and eating a soft-food diet.
For more instructions, check out our oral surgeon’s recovery guidelines.
5. Who should perform my oral surgery?
Oral surgery can be invasive and intimidating. To combat feelings of fear, doubt, and worry, patients should look for an oral surgeon that is highly regarded, skilled, and experienced. While all oral surgeons receive the same education, they don’t always have the same skill, experience, or reputation.
To find an oral surgeon you can trust, follow these steps:
- Google “oral surgeon near me” OR “oral surgery in [city]”
- Read the Google reviews
- View at least three websites to learn about the surgeon and their services
- Schedule an initial consultation with one or more of the oral surgeons
- Make your decision
Following these steps will lead you to an oral surgeon like ours, Dr. Chris Tye, and ensure you receive gentle, highly-skilled, trustworthy care.
Browse our website to learn more about Dr. Tye, and call us today to schedule an initial consultation!
