Considering Sinus Lift Surgery? Here’s What You Need To Know | Periodontics, Wichita, KS

When receiving dental implants to replace upper teeth, it may be recommended that you receive a sinus lifting procedure to add bone tissue to your upper jaw. This ensures that your implants have sufficient support if you have experienced previous bone loss. In cases where individuals have insufficient bone for a dental implant placement, the sinus must be moved up to make room in the upper jaw. Without the extra support from the sinus lift, your dental implant may have a greater risk of failing or causing a perforation of the sinus membrane.

When it comes to getting a dental implant, the process can be lengthy, requiring multiple procedures before the actual implant is placed. While consulting with your provider of periodontics in Wichita, you will likely discuss your goals and have your teeth, mouth, and gums examined. After your mouth has been thoroughly examined, your periodontist will determine the ideal approach for a sinus lift surgery, depending on the amount of bone in your jaw. Accurate height and width measurements of your existing bone will be taken to evaluate your sinus, and your doctor will help determine which type of bone will be used for the procedure. Some of the most common types of bones used in sinus lift surgery include:

• Synthetic material
• Bone from your own body (autogenous bone)
• Bone from a cadaver (allogenic bone)
• Bone from a cow (xenograft)

Following your sinus lift surgery, you can expect minor swelling and bleeding for the first few days. Discomfort should not extend beyond this, and your periodontist will allow you to resume regular activity as directed. After surgery, your doctor will likely recommend that you:

• Take antibiotics to avoid infection.
• Avoid brushing your teeth to keep from dislodging clots or bleeding.
• Refrain from using a straw.
• Avoid blowing your nose, which could affect the bone graft placement.
• Do not smoke as it can affect the healing time.