Sinus Lift Lancaster
Ensuring Your New Teeth Last
When it comes to replacing missing teeth with dental implants, having adequate, healthy bone is key. A sinus lift helps create a strong foundation by gently raising the sinus membrane and adding bone exactly where it’s needed. This ensures your implants will be stable and function naturally for years to come. You can read more below about why this procedure might be recommended for some patients of Conestoga Oral Surgery. Be sure to reach out to our friendly team with any questions!
Why Choose Conestoga Oral Surgery for Sinus Lifts?
- We are the Leading Oral Surgery Practice for Implant Dentistry in Central Pennsylvania Since 1985
- Hundreds of Successful Bone Grafts Performed Each Year
- Anesthesiologist/CRNA Works In-house for Complex and Lengthy Surgical Procedures
What is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is a procedure that involves adding bone to the upper jaw so implants can be placed securely. Your surgeon gently lifts the thin membrane that lines the sinus and puts bone graft material underneath it. This creates the extra height and support needed to hold an implant when the bone has diminished after tooth loss.
Who’s a Good Candidate for a Sinus Lift?
NOT every patient who needs dental implants in the upper jaw requires a sinus lift! This procedure is only necessary if there is not enough healthy bone to hold onto the implant posts, or when the jawbone has become thin enough that the implants could extend into the sinus cavity.
Sinus lifts are most often needed for patients who have been missing teeth for a long time. When someone is “edentulous” or missing a tooth, the bone in the upper jaw naturally shrinks and loses its original structure. During your consultation, your surgeon may order a cone beam CT scan to visualize your sinus anatomy, explain your unique treatment needs, and determine whether a sinus lift is the right step for you.
How Does a Sinus Lift Work?
A sinus lift is a minor surgery that can be completed in a single appointment by one of our board-certified oral surgeons. After the area has been thoroughly numbed (and the effects of any sedation have started), a few incisions will be used to create a “window” in the side of the upper jaw. This exposes the sinus membrane and enables your surgeon to lift it so they can place grafting material in the area.
Once the treatment site is closed, the healing process begins and continues for several months. Once new, healthy tissue has developed, implants will be placed into the newly strengthened bone.
Sinus Lift Aftercare
- Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least a few days following the procedure.
- Strict sinus precautions must be followed: Do not blow your nose, use a straw, or smoke for at least 21 days (3 weeks) after surgery.
- Apply ice packs to the cheek for 15 minutes on/off during the first 24 hours.
- Take pain medication and antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
- Mild bruising or swelling is normal and should subside within a few days.
- Do not brush directly over the surgical area for several days.
- Stick to soft foods (soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, eggs) for the first few days.