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Dental implants are among the most popular restorative treatments. If you’ve been exploring this option, your dentist may have mentioned sinus lift surgery. This standard treatment may be part of the implant process to ensure the best long-term results. Here are answers to questions on the topic if you want to move forward with restorative services.

Sinus Lift Surgery FAQ

Why is it needed?

Dental implants are anchored in the jaw, so you must have plenty of high-quality bone there. If you’ve lost bone because of gum disease or an injury, a surgeon will perform a sinus lift. Lifting the sinus floor provides access to more healthy bone in which to fix an implant. The bone then heals around it, and a prosthetic tooth is placed on top. 

Who is a candidate?

dental-implants-anchoragePatients must be in good oral health and free of gum disease and other infections that could interfere with the surgery and recovery. Sinus lifts create bone in the area between the molars and pre-molars, so only patients receiving implants in those areas will qualify.

What’s the procedure like?

Patients are anesthetized during the procedure. The surgeon will then move gum tissue and expose bone where the dental implant will go. They’ll make a small circular incision in the bone, push it up into the sinus cavity, and fill the hole with a bone graft. The area is then sewn up to heal. It’s a painless procedure that takes 90 to 120 minutes because of the precision required.

What’s recovery like?

You may be groggy from the anesthesia, so have someone drive you home. Your surgeon will place a gauze pack over the surgical site. Hold it there for at least 30 minutes, and replace it during the first 24 hours.

Stick to soft, lukewarm foods for the first 24 hours, and avoid putting pressure on the surgical site. Try not to sneeze or blow your nose, so you don’t damage the surgical site.

Anticipate some swelling and slight bleeding in the first two to three days. Your dentist may provide prescription pain medication. You can also ice your cheek in 15-minute intervals to reduce swelling and discomfort.

To clean your mouth, you can slowly and carefully rinse with warm salt water; otherwise, avoid touching the surgical site.

See your dentist seven to 10 days later, so they can look at the results. The dental implants may then be inserted in four to nine months.

 

If you’re interested in exploring dental implants or sinus lift surgery, contact Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska. This Anchorage practice is led by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons to address many oral health needs. Learn more about their capabilities, including jaw surgery and wisdom teeth removal, on their website. Call (907) 561-1430 to schedule a consultation.

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