Why You May Need a Sinus Lift Before Dental Implant Surgery

A sinus lift is not a procedure that most people think about before dental implant surgery, but it is a process that may be necessary for some. The lift entails raising a portion of the sinus floor to allow new bone to develop. The practice makes it easier for a dental implant to fit in a target area. Our dental team at Premier Periodontics is highly skilled in this bone grafting technique that can increase your candidacy to make implant dentistry possible in Bellevue, Everett, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Olympia, or Redmond, WA.

Understanding the sinus lift

A sinus lift occurs when a dentist lifts the sinus floor to create enough room for the bone necessary for a dental implant. The area can be raised, although sometimes a separate graft is required for producing an anchor. The dental implant will not secure well if the sinus floor is too shallow and doesn’t provide enough room for the implant anchor.

A dentist will perform the lift by making an incision in the back part of the gum area. A small portion of the bone near the sinus membranes will be cut and lifted into the sinus cavity area. The membrane rises at this point, producing the necessary room for the implants. A bone graft may also be necessary for anchoring the space, although synthetic material can also work in the area. The incision site is then sealed off with sutures.

The recovery process will vary, but it can take about 6 – 12 months to heal. The bone graft or implant will require enough time to heal to ensure you’ll have enough room for the new implant. Our dentists at Premier Periodontics in Bellevue, WA can help you with the recovery process and guide you in understanding what you’ll need to do when recovering from the procedure.

Who is a candidate for a sinus lift?

Not all people who need dental implants will require a sinus lift. Those who have lost upper back teeth are more likely to need a lift, as the top jaw may not have enough room to support the implant. People who have more massive sinuses that are close enough to the dental roots may also require a lift.

Allow enough room for the anchor

A dental implant will be more successful when you have enough room in the sinus area for the anchor. The anchor is the end part that will enter the bone area where the implant should be. The anchor will keep the jawbone area stimulated to avoid risk of future bone or tooth loss.

The anchor will also have an easier time staying in an area when it is in a secure spot. A sinus lift may be necessary for making it easier for the tissue to stay healthy.

Learn about how a sinus lift can work for you in Bellevue, WA

You can ask our dentists at Premier Periodontics in Bellevue, WA for help with a sinus lift if you require one before a dental implant procedure. You can visit our location in Bellevue, or you can visit one of our other practice locations in the state of Washington, including Everett, Redmond, Olympia, Mercer Island, and Kirkland. Talk with us today to learn more about our services.