Sinus Lift

If you are considering dental implants, your dentist may tell you that you do not have enough bone in your jaw to support dental implants. Do not despair. The dental surgeons of Brentwood Dental Spa in Los Angeles, California are experts in dental oral surgery. Through the miracle that is oral surgery, and a procedure called a sinus lift, our dentists at Brentwood Dental Spa can restore the bone in your jaw that will allow your jaw the strength to support dental implants.
The following paragraphs provide a brief description of a sinus lift, the benefits of the surgery, and how the procedure is carried out.

A Sinus Lift Is A Facelift For Your Jaw

Whenever a tooth is extracted or lost, there is an immediate reduction in bone density in that area. The reduction in bone density makes it difficult if not impossible for the dentist to make a successful dental implant.
A dental implant replaces the lost tooth’s roots. The implant itself becomes the foundation for a permanent or removable replacement tooth that looks close cosmetically to your natural teeth.
A sinus lift, also known as a sinus augmentation, is a surgical approach that makes it easier to put dental implants in your mouth. This procedure is especially helpful if you have bone loss in your jaw which means your existing jaw bone is not strong enough to support the dental implant.
The sinus lift procedure takes place before the dental implant. The procedure causes minor discomfort for most people and provides the best chance for you to support dental implants in the upper back jaw. In general, dental implants have a 98% success rate if taken care of properly.

Bone loss can affect teeth and gums. A bone graft and regeneration stabilizes the jaw and helps to prevent other health complications that otherwise might result. Bone density loss is especially prevalent in older people because osteoporosis causes the bones to thin. Osteoporosis becomes more pervasive with advanced age.

It is also possible to lose bone density due to injury, infection, poor dental health regime, or other health problems that can also affect the jaw bone.

And You Thought Your Sinuses Just Helped You Breathe 

Put simply, sinus lift surgery lifts the sinus cavity floor. First, the oral surgeon makes an incision and exposes the patient’s natural jaw bone. Then, the surgeon cuts a small circle in the existing bone and lifts it up into the sinus cavity. The oral surgeon fills the space below the new sinus cavity floor with material from a bone graft. The oral surgeon takes the bone graft from the patient’s health bone tissue or healthy donor tissue.
The sinus lift surgery takes place about 12 months before the intended dental implant. After the sinus surgery, you will experience some swelling and perhaps bleeding from the nose or mouth. Minor discomfort is expected but if there is a great deal of pain, or bleeding for more than three days, you should contact the oral surgeon right away. As with any surgery, there is also a slight chance for infection, but the oral surgeon will prescribe antibiotics to allay that possibility.
If you have allergies, advise your oral surgeon. It is best to schedule your surgery during off-allergy season to avoid sneezing and nose blowing. Both of those activities can dislodge the bone graft or tear out stitches.

Oral Surg

Sinus Lift

Dental Implants Are Worth the Sinus Lift Surgery

Dental implants enhance your appearance, but even more importantly, they look and feel like your natural teeth. In fact, dental implants require the same oral hygiene routine as your natural teeth:

• Brushing twice a day, at least;
• Flossing twice a day;
• Rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash after every brush;
• Regular dental checkups.

Take That Next Step

If you are ready to take the leap toward dental implants, we invite you to contact us at Brentwood Dental Spa today to schedule an appointment. We want to help you capture that beautiful smile and healthy mouth.

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