Sinus Lift Before Dental Implant Treatment

At Periodontal Associates, Dr. Chetan S. Patil and his team offer a range of periodontic services that enhance the health and strength of the gums, thus improving a patient’s overall oral health. In addition, we work with local dentists to provide patients with dental implants. Dental implants are surgically implanted screws that anchor restorations such as dental crowns, bridges, and dentures.

Dental implants are the most secure and natural replacement for missing teeth. Unfortunately, not all patients are ideal candidates for dental implants. However, there are treatments that can restore strength and structure to the jawbone to make dental implants a viable treatment option. Dr. Patil explains how a sinus lift and dental implants treatment at his Englewood, NJ practice can rebuild a strong, healthy, and functional smile.

Dental Implants Treatment

The dental implant treatment process involves a series of procedures. During the initial treatment, small incisions are made in the gums and titanium screws are placed in the jawbone. After this procedure, patients are sent home to recover.

We typically wait at least four to six months before moving on to the second stage of treatment. This months-long recovery period is important because it allows the implant to fuse with the patient’s bone tissue, which is vital to the ultimate success of dental implant treatment. After this fusion, known as osseointegration, has taken place, a second procedure will be performed to place abutments over the implants, and finally, during a third procedure, restorations will be placed.

The osseointegration process is arguably one of the most important aspects of dental implant treatment, and it cannot occur if the patient does not have enough jawbone tissue. This is why the density of the jawbone is such an important factor in determining dental implant candidacy. The longer a patient has had missing teeth, the more likely it is that the jawbone will have deteriorated to the point that it cannot support a dental implant. Fortunately, a bone graft or sinus lift can restore bone density to allow the possibility of dental implant treatment.

What Is A Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that allows Dr. Patil to add bone to the upper jaw, specifically in the area of the molars and premolars. A sinus lift is similar to other bone graft procedures. Dr. Patil will add structure to the jawbone by cutting into the gum tissue and placing donor bone tissue at the treatment site. To accommodate the placement of this bone, the sinus membrane is lifted up and away from the jawbone.

After the bone graft is in place, the gums will be sutured over the treatment area. It takes several months for the bone graft to fuse with the patient’s natural tissue. On average, a six-month recovery period is needed after a sinus lift before dental implant surgery can be performed.

Contact Us

If you have been told that you are a poor candidate for dental implant treatment due to inadequate jawbone density, a bone graft or sinus lift may be the solution. Contact us at your earliest convenience to learn more about these procedures, and whether you may be a suitable candidate for dental implants.