Sinus Lift

When is a Sinus Lift Procedure Necessary?

Your surgeon will recommend a sinus lift procedure (also known as sinus augmentation) when you don’t have enough bone at the back of the mouth to support dental implants.

The sinuses are natural cavities just behind the upper jaw. By lifting the sinus and performing a bone graft, your surgeon can create a stable foundation for a dental implant or dental implants.

Treatment with dental implants involves inserting a titanium post into the jaw bone. Through a process known as osseointegration, the implant post will fuse with the jaw, creating a stable foundation for an abutment and prosthetic tooth (or dentures in some cases). Without a sinus lift procedure, the implant wouldn’t have enough space to anchor and integrate.

Not everyone will need a sinus lift procedure to have implants placed into the upper molar area. The most common reason to need sinus augmentation are…

• You have lost bone due to periodontal disease.
• You naturally have large sinus cavities and a thin or short jawbone.
• You have recovered from oral cancer but lost bone to a tumor.
• You have a defect that has left you with insufficient bone in the jaw.

Having the procedure will ensure that you can get the treatment you need to fully restore the function of your bite. A sinus augmentation will provide long-term benefits and will prevent further bone deterioration.

Before and After Sinus Surgery

Preparing for a procedure is easier when you know the steps before and after sinus surgery. There are various steps in the process to restore your bite. The placement of implants and later the abutments and prosthetics will come after sinus augmentation.

Although there can be some variation from case to case, the initial steps are usually as follows…

• You will have a consultation with your surgeon to discuss the possibility of having dental implants.
• 3D Computer Tomography will be used to evaluate the complex 3D structure of your jaw bone and oral structures.
• Your surgeon will review with you why and which type of sinus lift procedure is indicated in your case.

You’ll want to know about pain and pain management before and after sinus surgery. The healing process can take three to six months. We will review a post operative pain management strategy with you and most pain should subside after the first week.. The worst of the swelling and pain will subside in the first fourdays after sinus augmentation.

You’ll be given plenty of information and support before and after sinus surgery. Your surgeon will take the time to explain the procedure and the specific surgical approach for your case. Everyone’s surgery can look a little different, so it’s important that you understand the steps. This can help you to become more comfortable and avoid anxiety before and after sinus surgery.

What Happens During the Sinus Surgery?

The surgery itself will be comfortable and performed in our state-of-the-art dental office. You can have intravenous sedatives administered to ensure you’re relaxed and to give your surgeon time to work safely.

• Your surgeon will make an incision in the back upper jaw gum tissue to expose the bone underneath.
• The bone will be carefully cut and lifted upwards toward the sinus membrane.
• Bone graft materials will be placed between the cut area of the bone.
• The graft will be packed, and the surgical site will be closed with the gum flap and a dental membrane.

You’ll be given postoperative instructions for home care, and a follow-up consultation will be scheduled.

Consuming Alcohol After Sinus Surgery

In the initial days after sinus surgery, your diet will consist of soft foods. You can return to your normal diet after one or two weeks, avoiding hard foods and chewing around the area of treatment.

Can you drink alcohol after sinus surgery? It’s best to avoid it for at least two weeks. After that, you should limit alcohol after sinus surgery as much as possible. Drinking alcohol after sinus surgery can compromise your immune system and may make the recovery take longer. Alcohol after sinus surgery can also dry the gums and cause complications.

You can resume moderate alcohol after sinus surgery once you are fully healed from both the augmentation and the placement of dental implants. For your oral health and your overall health, it’s best to minimize alcohol after sinus surgery, even when looking at things long-term.

Book a Consultation for Sinus Lift Surgery

To learn more about your candidacy for dental implants and a potential sinus lift procedure, book your appointment at Peninsula Oral and Facial Surgery at 650-342-0213. Dr. Fagin can develop a treatment plan to restore both the aesthetic and function of your smile.