Overview
Not every patient is suitable for dental implants as there has to be enough bone density and an appropriate amount of room for a surgical post to be placed without touching the sinuses. Sinus lift surgery can be used to help patients become candidates for a dental implant. At Ingber Dental, we can prepare you for a dental implant with a sinus lift. Insufficient bone height in the upper jaw, poor quality bone, or sinuses that might be too close to place an implant are reasons why you may need a sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation surgery. Your sinus floor needs to be lifted so that an implant can be properly placed. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kenneth Ingber and his team of dental professionals at our office in Washington, D.C. to learn more about sinus lift surgery and dental implants.
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Best Candidates
Candidates for a sinus lift will have limited room in the upper jaw for a dental implant when the sinuses are too large or too close to the bone. At your consultation, an x-ray will be needed to measure your jaw and sinuses and determine if repositioning the sinuses with or without a bone graft would be a proper course of action before a dental implant.
What To Expect
A sinus lift is a detailed surgical procedure that is performed in our office. If needed, a bone graft will be prepared. An incision will be made in the gum at the back of your mouth. Your tissue will be lifted to reveal the bone. The bone graft, if needed, will be placed before the sinuses are pushed higher and away from the jaw. Finally, the incision within the gumline will be sutured.
Recovery
After your sinus lift, you could be given a prescription for an antibiotic and pain reliever to help you during your recovery. A member of our dental team will also prepare you for how you should care for your incisions with instructions before the procedure. You should schedule a follow-up appointment about a week after your sinus lift for suture removal. The bone graft will take several months to heal before a dental implant can be placed.
Insurance Coverage
If you have insurance, we will contact your provider to ascertain your coverage and estimate your out-of-pocket costs. If you do not have dental insurance, we can talk to you about payment methods and give you information on low-interest financing.
Sinus Lift Surgery
If you qualify for a sinus lift, preparing the jawbone is essential to the success of an implant. Dental implants need a solid support system in the jaw before they can be installed, and a sinus lift surgery will keep the implant from imposing on your sinuses. We ask you to contact our office in Washington, D.C. to schedule a consultation.