A guide to the sinus lift … for pre-implant placement and more
The area’s top dental professionals often turn to Associates for Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery. They trust their patients in Mount Prospect, Bartlett, Elk Grove Village, and Chicago, Illinois, to us. Due to our specialty expertise and onsite capabilities, we can perform many complex and advanced procedures. These treatments include the “sinus lift” as a preparatory procedure for patients with bone loss who need to replace their teeth before the dental implant process.
What does the “sinus lift” refer to?
This is a treatment for the sinuses, those empty, air-filled chambers behind the cheeks that reside on top of the upper teeth. Some of the roots of the teeth extend into the sinuses. So, when teeth are extracted, there is often a small layer of bone that separates the sinus from the mouth. However, for implants to be successful, there must be a foundation of bone in place to hold these cylindrical-shaped posts (or artificial tooth roots) in the jaw. When these walls of the sinuses are so thin, it can present a significant challenge for patients getting implants. Treatment with a sinus lift addresses this issue by “readying” the bone for implant placement.
How does the sinus lift do this?
Also known as “sinus augmentation,” this procedure effectively lifts or raises the sinus floor. It furthermore promotes healing and the development of new bony tissue. In fact, it is one of the most common grafting treatments designed to build up deteriorated bone among individuals with bone loss or resorption in the upper jaw. Thus, the implants can be anchored or secured in the bone properly.
Am I a good candidate?
You may be! Of course, our doctors, Drs Russell Spinazze, Mark Spinazze, and Eliza Drobny, will perform a thorough evaluation before making any recommendations. However, you may be able to benefit from the sinus lift if you are missing at least one tooth at the back-most part of your upper jaw. You may also be an appropriate candidate if you have a lot of bone loss in the region. Or, you may have a birth defect or another condition that has resulted in the loss of teeth.
How do you perform the procedure?
The most common approach is to make a small opening in the premolar/molar region at the very back of the mouth. This initial step exposes the jawbone. One of our doctors then makes another opening in the exposed bone. As this is done, the membrane that lines the sinus is elevated. The space underneath is then filled with grafting material. This material may be sourced from your own body or from another donor source. These options may include synthetic materials formulated to “mimic” natural bone formation. Lastly, the opening is closed up, and the healing process begins.
What can I expect afterward?
In the following months, as the site heals, the bone effectively becomes a part of the jaw. We can then insert implants and have peace of mind that they are not going anywhere and will firmly stabilize in the jaw. As specialists, Associates for Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery is opening up a world of treatment options for individuals with bone loss who otherwise may be limited to conventional removable dentures as feasible options to replace teeth.
We encourage you to call us with further questions and to schedule a consultation at one of our four Chicagoland locations. You can reach our teams in Mount Prospect, Bartlett, Elk Grove Village, and Chicago, IL, at (847) 255-7080, (630) 289-5002, (847) 593-0535, and (773) 736-3300, respectively.
