Boost Implant Candidacy with a Sinus Lift
Because the upper jawbone is naturally thin and located directly below the sinus cavity, placing dental implants in the upper arch of teeth is particularly complex. Bone deterioration after tooth loss can further complicate the procedure. However, thanks to advancements in technique, many patients with jawbone deterioration in their upper arch can now qualify for dental implants with a sinus lift procedure. With a commitment to providing comprehensive patient care, Dr. Kellyn Hodges coordinates with her team of skilled doctors to improve patient candidacy at her offices in the greater Philadelphia, PA, area.
Is This Procedure Right for You?
When you lose a tooth in your upper jawbone, bone deterioration begins almost immediately. A sinus lift can undo this process in the upper jaw by increasing the amount and strength of the bone to provide a strong, stable foundation for dental implants. If you have been missing teeth for a prolonged period of time, you will most likely require a sinus lift to boost your candidacy. However, the best way to determine whether you have sufficient jawbone density is to visit one of our offices for a consultation. Using state-of-the-art imaging, we can evaluate the condition of your upper jawbone and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Preparing for a Sinus Lift
Although not all patients will require a sinus lift, those who do can receive the advanced preparatory treatment at one of our offices. To ensure the best possible outcome for surgery, we highly recommend that patients refrain from smoking in the weeks leading to their appointment. Smoking can undermine healing, slow down recovery, and increase your risk of implant failure.
The Surgery
Before your procedure starts, you will receive local anesthesia to help you feel comfortable throughout. With Dr. Hodges' direction, a skilled oral surgeon will then create an incision in your gums above the implant site in order to access the jawbone.
The surgeon can then make a small, circular incision in the bone and push a section of it up into the sinus floor. They will then fill remaining space with biocompatible bone grafting material, which helps promote new growth. Once this is in place, they can close your incisions.
A sinus lift can undo bone deterioration in the upper jaw by increasing the amount and strength of the bone to provide a strong, stable foundation for dental implants.
Ensuring a Healthy Recovery
Recovery from a sinus lift is relatively short. In most cases, patients can return to their normal activities the very next day. Our team will provide detailed post-operative instructions to help reduce the risk of infection and complications.
However, it typically takes several months for the jaw to heal fully. During that time, the grafting material will fuse with the surrounding jawbone to create a healthy foundation for dental implants. Once your upper jaw is fully healed, we can schedule a surgery to place dental implants.
Boost Your Candidacy Today
As a respected member of the dentistry community, Dr. Hodges and her team work closely with skilled oral surgeons to provide the customized treatment you need. We want your oral surgery procedure to be as comfortable and low-stress as possible and we work hard to provide a warm, welcoming environment and flexible financing options. Schedule a consultation by calling our office at (215) 245-5100 or contacting us online.
