Sinus lift surgery, also known as sinus augmentation, is offered by Dr. Thein as a way to prepare a patient’s mouth for the placement of a dental implant into the upper jaw. If a patient does not have a solid anatomical structure of the upper back jaw or maxillary sinus, then Dr. Thein will not place a dental implant. This is because the chance of dental implant failure would be very high.
Patients who may be recommended for sinus lift surgery include:
- Patients with a small jaw.
- Patients with a large sinus cavity.
- Patients with bone loss.
Description of Sinus Lift Surgery
Sinus lifts effectively elevate your sinus floor, which allows enough space for new bone to form before the insertion of your dental implant. The bone is typically grafted into the sinus and will take time for the site to heal before you can receive your dental implant.
It can take anywhere from 4 months – 12 months for a complete healing, depending on how your sinus lift was performed.
What To Expect During Sinus Lift Surgery
Most patients are given general anesthesia for the procedure, meaning you will be sedated for the procedure. You should prepare to have a friend or family member take you to and from your dental appointment.
The surgery itself has a great outlook and most patients recover successfully with a minimal amount of pain during the post-op.
Dr. Thein will explain the details of the entire procedure to you during your consultation and after the procedure you will be educated on what post-op instructions to follow to ensure a successful and speedy recovery.