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Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and get your smile back. If you have enough healthy bone to support the implants, that is. If you need dental implants in the area of your top molars or premolars, a sinus lift is a specialized oral surgery to create more bone volume where it’s needed.
But what is a sinus lift? And why might your implant dentist recommend it? Here are the top five most common reasons people need a sinus lift for dental implants.
Why Is Bone Level Important to the Success of Your Dental Implants?
Before we get into the reasons you may need a sinus lift, it’s important to understand the role of bone volume in how successful your implants will be.
Dental implants need strong, healthy bone to hold the implant posts in place. Your implant dentist will place the posts, which act as new roots for your teeth, into your jawbone. If the bone is too thin or not dense enough, the implant might not stay secure.
In these cases, your implant dentist or oral surgeon may need to add bone graft material to create suitable support in the right places.
What is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is a special procedure used when there isn’t enough bone in the upper jaw, particularly in the back where your molars and premolars are. These sites are especially important for stabilizing All-On-4® full mouth dental implants.
The lift raises the membrane that covers the floor of the maxillary sinus and adds bone beneath it, giving the implant a solid foundation. That means your new teeth will have a secure base and the best long-term outcome.
Next, let’s look at some of the most common reasons people have insufficient bone for dental implants in the upper arch.
Reasons Your Dentist Might Recommend a Sinus Lift
Now that you understand why you need sufficient bone for dental implants, let’s look at the top 5 reasons people need a sinus lift.
- You’ve been wearing an upper denture for a long time.
When teeth go missing, the body no longer needs the bone that once supported the roots of those teeth. Over time, your immune system will naturally shrink the unneeded bone tissue.
People who wear dentures for a long time commonly experience significant bone loss. If this happens, there may not be enough bone left to support dental implants, and a sinus lift may be needed to add more bone. Your surgeon may also recommend ridge augmentation in some cases.
- You have an enlarged maxillary sinus.
Some people naturally have larger sinuses. The sinus cavity naturally expands as we age, especially if you have conditions like osteoporosis.
This can limit the amount of bone available for dental implants. In these cases, a sinus lift can create enough space for the bone to be thickened, making you a better candidate for dental implants.
- The roots of your teeth sit too close to the floor of the sinus.
You may be considering dental implants because your teeth have become unsalvageable due to periodontal disease or severe decay or wear. If the roots of your upper teeth are very close to the sinus, getting dental implants can be tricky.
In some cases, tooth roots can even go all the way through the bone that is supposed to completely surround the sinus.
When your dentist removes these teeth, they will use an x-ray or CT scan to check the space. If the space is too tight, a sinus lift may be required to make room for the dental implants.
- You had a cyst or tumor removed from the area.
If you’ve had surgery to remove a cyst or tumor from your upper jaw, it could have affected the bone. Sometimes, the bone doesn’t heal with enough volume or density to hold dental implants after such procedures. A sinus lift can help by replacing the lost bone.
- You’ve had an injury that affected your sinus or the bone of your upper jaw.
Trauma or injury to the face can damage the bone in your upper jaw, making it difficult to get dental implants. For example, tooth intrusion, which is when a tooth gets pushed deeper into the bone, may make it hard to successfully place dental implants. A sinus lift helps restore bone in the area so that you can still enjoy the benefits of dental implants.
Making Your Dental Implant Process Easy with Dental Specialty Associates of Arizona
At Dental Specialty Associates of Arizona, we understand that the dental implant process can seem overwhelming. That’s why we offer all phases of treatment in one place—from consultations to the actual implant placement and any necessary sinus lifts or bone grafts.
Our team of specialists includes expert maxillofacial surgeons, prosthodontists, and implant dentists to ensure your smile always gets the best possible care. Most importantly, our safe and effective sedation options ensure that you’ll stay comfortable throughout your sinus lift and implant surgery.
Choosing us means you’ll be in expert hands, from start to finish. Whether you need a sinus lift or a simple dental implant, we’re here to help you restore your smile with confidence!
