Sinus Lift in North Hollywood CA

Maxillary sinus floor augmentation (also called a sinus lift, sinus graft, sinus enlargement, or sinus surgery) is a surgical procedure to try and increase bone mass in the posterior maxilla (upper jaw bone), a region that includes premolars and molars, by raising the lower Schneiderian membrane (sinus membrane) and placing bone grafts.

A sinus lift aims to grow bone in the floor of the maxillary sinus over the bony ridges on the gum line, which anchor teeth in the upper jaw.

Lifting and Grafting Procedures

Lifting the maxillary sinuses and grafting bone between them creates more bone to allow dentists to place dental implants.

When the natural upper teeth are removed, there is usually just a thin bony wall left behind that keeps the maxillary sinuses out of your mouth.

The bone is placed between the Schneiderian membrane and the top part of the bony ridge underneath the gum tissue. 

Procedural Details of a Sinus Lift

Of course, the face is a tight space, so to make room for this additional bone, the sinus membranes are moved upwards, which is where the word “lifting” comes from. A little bit of bone near the sinus membrane is cut away and lifted upwards into the area of the sinus cavity. The most significant risk of this procedure is the possibility of puncturing or tearing the membrane of the sinus.    

In this case, part of the jawbone may be lost, requiring additional bone grafting before implants can be placed. Those who have missing teeth in their upper jaw are more likely to need maxillary sinus lifts, as the upper portion of the jaw may not have sufficient room for implants.

Who is a Candidate for a Sinus Lift?

People with large, near-root sinuses also might need an extraction.

According to the Oral Rehabilitation Foundation, doctors will recommend sinus lift surgery if they determine that your bone height is less than four to six millimeters in the posterior portion of your jaw. If you have enough bone between your upper jaw ridge and the sinus floor to support dental implants, a sinus lift and implant placement can be done in a single procedure.    

In cases where there is not enough bone, a sinus lift will need to be performed first, and you will need to allow a period for bone growth. If a sinus lift is performed only with a bone graft, the healing time and regrowth of the bone is usually around 5 to 7 months, at which point the implant can be placed, and the subsequent treatments continued.

An exception might be if your doctor drilled into your Schneiderian membrane during the procedure, and they recommend that you allow the Schneiderian membrane some time to heal before trying to do a sinus lift again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sinus Lift Procedures

How Painful is a Sinus Lift Procedure?

While the thought of a sinus lift may seem daunting, the procedure itself is typically painless due to the administration of local anesthesia. Post-procedure, patients may experience some swelling and discomfort which can be managed with prescribed pain medication and a cold compress.

It’s also important to note that every patient’s pain tolerance is different and their experience may vary.

What are the Risks Associated with a Sinus Lift Procedure?

As with any surgical procedure, a sinus lift carries some risks. These include possible infection, sinusitis, and a chance that the bone graft may not integrate well with the existing bone, leading to the failure of the procedure.

There’s also a risk of puncturing the sinus membrane, which may require additional treatment.

What is the Recovery Time for a Sinus Lift Procedure?

Typically, the recovery time for a sinus lift is about six to ten days. However, it takes several months for the bone graft to mesh with the natural bone. During the recovery process, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid smoking, and follow all of the dentist’s post-operative instructions to ensure successful healing.

It’s also recommended to avoid strenuous activities and blow the nose for a few weeks to prevent dislodging of the bone graft.

Who Offers Sinus Lift Procedures in North Hollywood CA?

A-Dental Center is among the top-rated oral care providers in North Hollywood, CA, providing quality dental services to patients for over 20 years. The experienced dentists and staff specialize in sinus lift procedures and many other dental treatments.

With a commitment to compassionate patient care, A-Dental Center strives to provide the highest standards of service and makes sure that each visit is as comfortable as possible.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Reach out to A-Dental Center today for more information about sinus lifts and other dental services.

With years of experience in the field, their knowledgeable staff is ready to answer any questions you might have and help you decide if a sinus lift procedure is right for you.

Schedule your consultation now and start your journey toward achieving beautiful, healthy teeth!