Dental implants have gained popularity over the past decade, giving people back their confident smiles, but in some cases bone loss caused by missing teeth, periodontal disease, or other factors may require an increase in bone density before implants can be placed successfully. Sinus lift procedures at our Alpharetta office are led by Dr. Cesar Tapia, who holds two Master’s degrees in Implantology from the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics. For certain patients, a sinus lift may be recommended to create the necessary foundation for dental implant placement at ConfiDENT in Alpharetta, GA.

What Is a Sinus Lift?

One of the most common areas for bone loss is the upper back jaw. Without adequate bone density, placing a dental implant can be difficult. The sinus cavities are located directly above the upper jawbone, and a sinus lift—also known as sinus augmentation—is a procedure used to increase bone density in the upper jawbone that separates the mouth from the sinuses.

During a sinus lift procedure, a small incision is made in the gum tissue, and a small section of bone is gently lifted to raise the sinus membrane. Bone grafting material is then placed in the newly created space, and the gum tissue is sutured to allow proper healing. This process helps build sufficient bone to support a dental implant and improve the long-term success of treatment.

What Should You Expect After a Sinus Lift?

Discomfort is usually minimal after a sinus lift procedure. There may be some swelling or slight bleeding from the nose or mouth for a few days. As with all surgeries, there is always the potential for infection or other complications. Call immediately if:

• Swelling or pain increases after the first few days
• Bleeding increases or is bright red
• You feel the graft dislodge after sneezing or blowing your nose
• You have a fever

It can require a minimum of six months of healing after the sinus lift procedure before implant surgery can be performed. Don’t be discouraged by the delay. The results with be worth the time invested.

If you have missing upper teeth with bone loss, a sinus lift procedure may be an option to increase bone density in your upper jawbone to allow for dental implants. To learn more about our sinus lift procedure for dental implants, contact us at ConfiDENT in Alpharetta, GA, to schedule your appointment.