One of the many advanced dental services we offer at Midtown Dental Services is a sinus lift, a surgical procedure that can help restore bone tissue in the upper jaw. Our skilled dentist, Dr. Mark Jacobson, and team are dedicated to ensuring that you can receive the care you need for long-lasting oral health. To learn more about sinus lifts in New York City, New York, we invite you to call us today at 212-697-3946.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, also known as a sinus augmentation or sinus elevation, is a surgical dental procedure performed to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw, specifically in the area of the upper back molars. This procedure is necessary when there is insufficient bone height in the upper jaw to support the placement of dental implants. The reason for inadequate bone can be natural bone loss over time, the anatomical positioning of the sinuses or previous tooth extractions that led to bone resorption.
The maxillary sinuses are air-filled cavities located behind the cheeks and above the upper teeth. When these sinuses enlarge, they can encroach on the available bone for dental implant placement, making it essential to perform a sinus lift to create more space.
The Sinus Lift Procedure
The sinus lift procedure involves several steps:
- Initial Assessment: Before the procedure, the patient undergoes a comprehensive examination, including X-rays or 3D imaging, to assess the quantity and quality of existing bone and the position of the sinuses.
- Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the procedure.
- Incision: A small incision is made in the gum tissue at the location where the dental implant will be placed.
- Lifting the Sinus Membrane: The sinus membrane is gently lifted or pushed upward, creating a small space between the membrane and the upper jawbone.
- Bone Grafting: A bone graft material, often composed of synthetic bone or bone harvested from the patient’s own body, is placed into the space created above the sinus membrane. This graft material promotes new bone growth over time.
- Suture: The incision is sutured closed, and the healing process begins.
- Healing Period: It takes several months for the bone graft to fuse with the existing bone, providing a stable foundation for dental implant placement.
Once the bone has sufficiently healed, a second surgery may be necessary to place the dental implant securely. Sinus lifts have become a routine and highly successful procedure, enabling patients with inadequate bone in the upper jaw to enjoy the benefits of dental implants and restore their oral health and function.
Schedule An Appointment
Call our office today to schedule an appointment with our dentist and learn more about sinus lifts and how they can improve your oral health.