According to the American Dental Association, it’s common for patients to have insufficient bone to maintain their dental implants. If you have the same dental problem, your orthodontist will suggest a sinus lift or sinus augmentation. You should have this procedure before you get your dental implants. A sinus lift may be a common pre-implant procedure, but it is not for everybody. Here’s what you should know if you’re a good candidate for a sinus lift procedure.

 

Good Health

Experts say that if you need to have sinus lift surgery, you should first be of generally good health. Your dental surgeon will administer general anesthesia intravenously. Because of this, you should have no serious problems with your cardiovascular or respiratory systems. A strong heart and pair of lungs can help make the procedure go smoothly without complications.

Inadequate Bone

Dental surgeons usually find it more difficult to attach dental implants in the back part of the upper jaw (maxilla). It is common for this area to lack sufficient bone quality and quantity. It is also extremely close to the sinus. Losing teeth in that section leads to bone deterioration. There won’t be enough bone to which your implants will attach. Through sinus lift surgery, your dental specialist raises the floor of your sinus with a bone graft. This will trigger bone formation once your implants are in place.

Knowledge of the Procedure

You are also a good candidate if you understand how long it takes for you to recover. Remember, the bone graft should integrate with your existing tissue. The process usually takes nine months. At the same time, you should also think about your healing time from your dental implant procedure. The wait may be long, but the results will be worthwhile.

Right Age

Clinical data show that young and mature adults benefit most from sinus augmentation. At this age range, your bones are already developed. Experts do not perform this procedure on young patients whose jawbones are still developing. A sinus lift is not a good idea for elderly patients who have serious health conditions as well.

Comprehension of the Benefits and Risks

Before you go through this treatment, you should understand its benefits and risks. If you do, then you know the possible drawbacks. Research shows that awareness enables patients to take instructions more seriously. This results in better patient recuperation. It may take a year before you can get your dental implants. Even so, a sinus lift surgery ensures that your implants will be successful.

Periodontal Disease

Gum disease can also penetrate your jawbone and deteriorate it even if you haven’t lost any tooth in that area yet. If there is no visible evidence of gum disease, your dental surgeon will check your jawbone’s stability. Lack of strength in your jawbone will mandate a sinus augmentation to prepare your mouth for your dental implants.
 

A sinus lift can help ensure your good oral and overall health. At Hawaii Oral Surgery, we make sure to guide and assist our patients before, during, and after their sinus surgery. Please visit our clinics in Aiea and Honolulu, Hawaii, for a one-on-one consultation. You can also call us at 808-731-2220. That way, we can help you schedule your appointment or answer your questions about our sinus lift procedure packages.

References:

https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(15)60226-4/fulltext

https://www.perio.org/consumer/sinus-augmentation