Preparing for Dental Implants: Sinus Lift

For patients looking to improve their smile with dental implants, ensuring healthy, long-lasting results can sometimes require the additional dental procedures to address bone density problems. At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, Dr. Patel and his team specialize in helping patients overcome weakened jaw bones through a number of surgical procedures. Among the most effective procedures used to prepare for dental implants is a sinus lift.

What is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw, between the maxillary sinuses, near the molars and premolars. This raises the sinus floor and encourages bone growth. The procedure is especially important for patients with insufficient bone quality to support dental implants.

Why are Sinus Lifts Required?

In some patients, the tooth roots on the upper arch extend into the maxillary sinuses. As the bone separating the sinuses from the mouth is very thin, it cannot support dental implants without reinforcement. Candidates for sinus lifts procedures include:

• Patients missing multiple teeth at the rear of the upper arch
• Patients with insufficient bone at the back of their jaws
• Patients missing teeth due to developmental deformities or dental trauma

What Happens During a Sinus Lift?

When preparing for a sinus lift, a number of CT images will be taken of your teeth and jaw. This allows Dr. Patel to determine how much bone grafting will be required in order to sufficiently augment the jaw bone, as well as the best location to place grafts.  

During this surgical procedure, a small incision is made into the jaw bone. The grafting material is then placed below the sinus membrane, thereby increasing the thickness of the bone in the upper jaw.

Over the course of recovery, the graft gradually fuses into the jaw, reinforcing weakened bone and creating a stable foundation for future permanent restorations. Once the treatment area is completely healed, patients can return for implant placement, although some patients may be eligible for placement immediately following the sinus lift procedure.

Sinus Augmentations in Northern Virginia

For some patients, sinus lifts may be the most effective method of preparing the jaw for dental implants. To learn more about this surgical augmentation, contact our Lorton or Springfield practices today.