Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life in multiple ways. For example, you might feel self-conscious about your altered appearance, struggle to enunciate certain sounds, or have a hard time biting or chewing your favorite foods.
Your dentist can rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality with dental implants, which many experts consider the ideal replacement teeth. However, some patients must undergo an additional sinus lift procedure before they can be approved for these restorations. Continue reading to learn why this is sometimes required!
What are Dental Implants?
Unlike dentures and dental bridges, dental implants include a titanium rod that’s surgically embedded into your jawbone. It can take several months to recover, because your mouth must generate enough new bone material to complete fuse with the biocompatible metal in a process called osseointegration.
That means your provider must update your medical history to ensure you’re healthy enough to undergo surgery and recover successfully afterward. They will also measure your jawbone density before approving your treatment. If the foundation of your teeth is too frail, you may need an additional procedure to bulk it up enough to continue.
Why Do I Need a Sinus Lift Before Getting Dental Implants?
Dental implants are known for being more stable and resilient than the alternatives because of their unique placement in your jawbone. However, if your jaw isn’t sufficiently supportive, the titanium rods could become destabilized and fail.
Your upper jawbone is located next to your sinus cavities, and if it’s become too thin from tooth loss or gum disease, they are too close to the bone for your implant to fit. In these circumstances, a sinus lift may be required to raise the sinus membranes to add additional bone material to create a firm foundation for your restorations.
What Happens During a Sinus Lift?
It’s natural to feel anxious about a major procedure when you’re unsure what to expect, and understanding more about what happens during a sinus lift can ease your frayed nerves. Typically, your provider begins by applying a local anesthetic to numb the area, preventing nerves in your teeth, gums, or jaw from sending pain signals to your brain. Some providers also offer sedatives to help you feel relaxed throughout your surgery.
Then, a small area of gum tissue is cut to expose the sinus cavity area. Then, an additional bone graft may be included to bulk up your jawbone to anchor your implants. This can take several months to heal before you can proceed with your chosen replacement teeth.
If you’ve been told you need a sinus lift and you have questions about how to prepare for the procedure or what to expect from recovery, the best way to get accurate information is to consult your dentist directly!
About the Practice
Patients at Dalton Hunt Dentistry benefit from two accomplished dentists dedicated to helping them build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Hunt and Dr. Helms collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location, including dental implants. They have the specialized training and state-of-the-art equipment to perform each step of the process in the office, including oral surgery, for a more streamlined experience. Then, they provide lifelike restorations made to match your natural teeth for seamless results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (919) 787-8243.