Millions of people are missing one or more of their teeth, and if you’re one of them, it can have a negative effect on both your physical and mental health. Not only can you suffer from self-confidence issues when you’re missing teeth, but you are also more susceptible to bone loss, gum disease, bite problems, shifting and losing additional teeth. You don’t want to cover your mouth when you laugh or smile or avoid going out with friends and family, so replacing your teeth is essential.
Dental implants have become an increasingly popular tooth replacement option for many patients; because of their stability and aesthetic beauty, they are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. However, for the dental implant procedure to be successful, your jawbone must be strong enough to support the dental implant. If your jawbone can’t sufficiently support the dental implant, your dentist may recommend a sinus lift.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
The longer you have missing teeth, the more your jawbone can deteriorate and lose bone density. If that’s the case, you may not be a candidate for dental implants. A sinus lift can make it possible to change all that. By adding bone between your jaw and your sinuses on either side of your nose, it may be possible to undergo dental implant surgery to replace your missing teeth.
For the sinus lift procedure, we will typically take bone graft material from your hip or tibia and add it to your jawbone. To do this, your dentist will complete the following steps:
1. First, your dentist will gently move and lift your sinus membrane away from your upper jaw, allowing them to access the bone underneath.
2. Once the bone is exposed, they will open a space in your bone and pack it with the bone graft material they have taken from the other part of your body.
3. After the bone graft material has been placed, your dentist will stitch the area so that you can begin healing.
4. It will take several months for the bone graft material to bond to your jawbone. Once this happens, your dental implants can be placed into your upper jaw, and you can regain your smile. Your newly strengthened jawbone will securely hold your dental implants.
Candidacy for a Sinus Lift in Parramatta
There are several instances where a sinus lift may be a viable option for patients who want to use dental implants as a tooth replacement option. Because your jawbone deteriorates and weakens over time after losing teeth, you may need a sinus lift after you’ve worn dentures or had a dental bridge for a long time. Also, the same is true if you have missing teeth that were never replaced.
Other possible reasons for a sinus lift include the following:
Maxillary Sinus Is Too Close
If your sinuses are too close to your upper jawbone, there is a greater chance that the dental implant could penetrate your sinus cavity. If this is the case, your dentist in Parramatta may recommend a sinus lift to correct the potential issue.
Periodontal Disease
Gum disease can cause your jawbone to recede, so your dentist might need to perform a sinus lift before you can undergo the dental implant procedure.
Tooth Decay
If tooth decay goes untreated, it will likely weaken your jawbone, making it unsuitable for dental implant surgery. A sinus lift procedure can strengthen your jaw and prepare it for the dental implant placement.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Sinus Lift Procedure
When considering a dental treatment plan for replacing your missing teeth, it’s essential to weigh your options. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of undergoing a sinus lift is an integral part of your decision. The following are some potential advantages and disadvantages of undergoing a sinus lift procedure prior to dental implant surgery:
Advantages
- Minimal discomfort
- Significant increase in bone density
- Considerable increase in dental implant success
- A renewed smile that can last a lifetime
Disadvantages
- Fear and anxiety about the procedure
- Discomfort
- Extended treatment time
Rest assured that the dental team at Painfree Dentistry can make you comfortable with a variety of sedation methods; in addition, before any dental treatment, we will spend time talking to you about the procedure and answering any questions you may have. So, when the time comes to create a treatment plan for replacing your missing teeth, you can feel confident and at ease about your decision.
Are You Considering Dental Implants in Parramatta?
If you would like to arrange a consultation with our dental team to discuss your dental implant treatment plan, we would love to hear from you. Whether you need a sinus lift or not, we want to help you replace your missing teeth and get back to enjoying life again. Please don’t hesitate to call because you are anxious or embarrassed about your smile. You can call us on (02) 5711 2317 for more information.
We look forward to helping you love your smile again.