Sinus Lift Services in Bergen County
What is a sinus lift?
The maxillary sinuses are behind your cheeks and on top of the upper teeth. These sinuses are empty, air-filled spaces. Some of the roots of the natural upper teeth extend up into the maxillary sinuses. When these upper teeth are removed there is often just a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth. Dental implants need bone to hold them in place. When the sinus wall is very thin, it is impossible to place dental implants in this bone.
The key to a successful and long-lasting dental implant is the quality and quantity of jaw bone to which the implant will be attached. If bone loss has occurred due to injury or periodontal disease, a sinus augmentation can raise the sinus floor and allow for new bone formation. A sinus lift is one of the most common bone grafting procedures for patients with bone loss in the upper jaw. The procedure seeks to grow bone in the floor of the maxillary sinus above the bony ridge of the gum line that anchors the teeth in the upper jaw. This enables dental implants to be placed and secured in the new bone growth.
When Is a Sinus Lift Needed?
A sinus lift is a common dental procedure that helps create space for dental implants in the upper jaw. Our team at the Premier Oral Surgery Group often recommends it for patients who need dental implants in their upper back teeth areas. Among the main reasons for sinus lifting are:
- Not enough bone height in the upper jaw
- Sinuses are too close to the jaw
- Bone loss after tooth extractions
- Previous gum disease that damaged bone
Am I a candidate for a sinus lift procedure?
A sinus lift may be necessary if you:
- are missing more than one tooth in the back of your jaw
- are missing a significant amount of bone in the back of your jaw
- are missing teeth due to a birth defect or condition
- are missing most of the maxillary teeth and require support for dental implants
Preparing for Your Sinus Lift Surgery
Before your procedure, an oral surgeon will take X-rays to plan your surgery. They may also order a CT scan to get detailed images of your jaw and sinuses.
On your end, we ask to know any medications you take. You may need to temporarily stop taking blood thinners before sinus lift surgery. We’ll give you additional instructions about eating and drinking ahead of surgery day.
Our Thorough Sinus Lifting Process
We use advanced techniques for implant sinus lift surgery. The entire process typically takes one to two hours. Our procedure includes:
- Administering local anesthesia to numb the area
- Creating a small opening in the gum tissue
- Gently lifting the sinus membrane
- Adding bone graft material to create height
- Closing the area with stitches
The sinus graft makes it possible for many patients to have dental implants that previously had no other option besides wearing loose dentures.
A sinus augmentation is generally performed at Dr. Kallis, Dr. Kojanis and Dr. Zenga‘s office, under local anesthesia. Some patients may request oral or intravenous sedative medication as well.
What to Expect After Your Sinus Lift
Recovery from sinus lifting surgery is usually straightforward. Most patients experience mild swelling and discomfort for a few days. You can minimize each if you:
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Apply ice packs to the swollen areas
- Eat soft foods
- Avoid blowing your nose forcefully
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping
Full healing takes several months as the bone graft integrates with your natural bone. We’ll monitor your progress with regular checkups.
The Benefits of a Sinus Lift
Most of our patients find that sinus lift surgery greatly improves their quality of life by allowing them to eat their favorite foods again. Other perks they report are:
- Restoration of proper chewing function
- Improved appearance and confidence
- Bone loss prevention
Why You Should Choose Premier Oral Surgery Group
Premier Oral Surgery Group offers expert care for tooth implant and sinus lift procedures. Our experienced surgeons have performed thousands of successful sinus lifts at our offices in Englewood Cliffs, Bergenfield, and Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ. We always use the most current techniques and equipment to ensure the best results possible, so you can trust our expertise.
Contact Our Specialists Today
Our sinus lift specialists in Bergen County can help you restore your healthy smile. If you need a sinus lift or simply want to learn more about the procedure, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
