Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

Sinus Lift

A sinus augmentation or sinus lift is a frequent and common dental surgical procedure. With the loss or removal of a tooth, the new vacant tooth socket will collapse during the recovery, which leaves a toothless area. This collapse will cause a loss in both height and width of the affected jawbone, which now makes it impossible to successfully consider a dental implant placement for restoration.

A dental sinus lift simply corrects and improves the area of your upper jaw located between your molars and premolars. Your sinus fills the area in your cheeks on both sides of your nose, between your upper jaw and the maxillary sinuses. Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. will simply lift the sinus membrane to allow space for the jawbone.

Beginning with your first visit with Periodontal and Implants Associates, Inc., our entire dental team is committed to establishing a relationship with you, acknowledging your unique individual needs, and striving effortlessly to provide personalized oral health care to meet your goals.

We focus on creating the ultimate stress-free and comfortable dental experience. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and we will do what is necessary to help you understand your symptoms and your treatment options in a relaxed environment. Call Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at (256) 734-8588 with any questions or to make an appointment for a possible sinus lift evaluation.

A sinus lift is a fundamental component of a specialized bone grafting procedure, which prepares your jawbone for a dental implant if your sinuses are too close to the jawbone. By lifting your sinuses up and away from your jawbone, sufficient space is now available for the jawbone to grow and increase in mass and density, so it can successfully support your new dental implant.

Are You a Candidate for a Sinus Lift Procedure?

A sinus lift might be necessary if you:

  • Are missing one or even more than one tooth in the back of your upper arch.
  • Have undergone an X-ray that has confirmed you are indeed missing a significant amount of bone in the back of your jaw.
  • Are missing some teeth because of a health condition or birth defect.
  • Are missing a significant amount of your upper jaw and require additional support for dental implants.

The Sinus Lift Procedure

Before we start your procedure, Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. administers a local anesthetic to the specific immediate area. Once sufficiently numb, your jawbone is accessed by creating exceedingly small incisions in the molar and premolar areas. Your conscientious team at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. will then make a tiny opening into your jawbone. This gives us access to the membrane that lines your sinus. That membrane is then literally and simply lifted. The space that has now been created with this movement will be filled with bone grafting material. Synthetic materials are used now quite often that imitate bone qualities. After the precise placement of the bone grafting material, the opening is sutured closed, and the entry wound will naturally heal. Over the next few months, the bone grafting material will naturally be absorbed, bonded, integrated, and become an additional mass of your jawbone. When the integration process is complete, you will have sufficient bone density, which will be capable of successfully supporting dental implants.

The normal healing time for this bone graft and sinus lift procedure is usually around four months. Once your healing is completed, the dental implant procedure will be initiated to surgically place the tiny implants in your newly restored jawbone. The bone graft procedure has completely compensated for the bone that atrophied, now allowing for the successful placement of multiple dental implants.

What Bone Grafting Material
is Used for a Sinus Lift?

Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. will first perform a thorough examination, which will include X-rays or CT scans to determine the best treatment approach for your case. We may use your own bone, harvesting the graft from within your mouth or another part of your body, such as a hip or below your knee. Oftentimes, we determine it will be best to use a synthetic material. We might also include an advanced new bone grafting material, which introduces a special protein to accelerate bone growth. We may also use growth factors from your own blood to help promote your healing.

Post-Procedure Care

Post-operative care following your sinus lift with Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. is important so as to reduce discomfort and avoid unnecessary complications, such as swelling or an infection. One of the most challenging things to be aware of is to avoid blowing your nose for at least a month. Also, do everything you possibly can to avoid sneezing. If you suffer from allergies, a decongestant certainly will be helpful with normal sinus issues.

Other than these points, directly following your sinus lift, you will need to be attentive to the gauze pad, which is on the area where the surgery took place, and keep it there, changing regularly until your bleeding stops. It is also essential for your natural healing to avoid brushing in the surgical area or rinsing for some time after surgery, as doing so may cause the bleeding to start again. It is fine to begin brushing your teeth the day after your surgery, but be careful to brush gently and purchase a new soft-bristle toothbrush if you do not own one.

We Change Lives One Smile at a Time

It is our mission at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. to educate and provide every patient with the best periodontal and dental care found in Alabama. The attention to detail by our entire dental team achieves quality and successful dental results with healthy and beautiful smiles for all patients. We collaborate to realize a shared vision of excellence. We are committed to:

  • Listening to those we have the opportunity to serve.
  • Earn the trust and respect of every patient, profession, and community.
  • Exceeding your expectations.
  • Ensure a creative, challenging, and compassionate professional environment.
  • Striving for continuous improvement at all levels.

You can find Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at 315 Second St. SE, Cullman, AL, 35055. Or give us a call today at (256) 734-8588.

Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

Request an Appointment with Us

Name