Sinus Lift Procedure

A sinus lift surgery is a surgery needed in preparation for a Dental Implant. Not everyone needs a sinus lift in order have a successful implant however. Read on to help answer questions you may have.

How do I know if I need a sinus lift?  First let’s talk about where the sinuses are located exactly. The maxillary sinuses are behind your cheeks and on top of your upper teeth. Sinuses are like empty rooms that have nothing in them. Some of the roots of your natural upper teeth extend up into your 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. This is when a sinus lift procedure in needed.

How does Dr. Murphy determine if I need a sinus lift? We will take a CT scan for Dr. Murphy to study the anatomy of your jaw and sinus. This scan will also allow him to accurately measure the height and width of your existing bone and to evaluate your sinus. This will allow him to determine if you need a sinus lift.

What is a sinus lift? A sinus lift surgery is when the sinus membrane is moved upward, or “lifted.” This “lift” occurs in the extraction site of your future implant. Then bone needs to be added in this upper jaw area in order for a successful implant. To make room for this bone, a sinus lift is performed. After several month of healing an implant will be placed in the site of the sinus lift.

Sinus lifts have become common over the last 15 years as more people get dental implants to replace missing teeth. The sinus lift makes it possible for many people to have dental implants when years ago there was no other option than wearing dentures. Please give us a call if you have any questions regarding sinus lifts, bone grafts or implants. We are happy to chat with you about your concerns. We can be reached at 970-420-6848.

reference: www.colgate.com