Welcome to Legacy Surgery, where our expert team, led by Dr. Jeff Kesecker, is a recognized leader in dental implant and sinus lift procedures.
The growing demand for dental implants has resulted in an increased need for sinus lift surgery. Despite its intimidating name, this procedure is simple and straightforward.
What is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure performed when there is not enough bone in your upper jaw bone to support a dental implant or if your sinuses are too close to your jaw.
The procedure increases the amount of bone in your upper jaw by lifting your maxillary sinuses, which are the sinuses closest to your teeth, and then placing bone grafts in the empty space.
Increasing the quality and quantity of bone provides the necessary support for your dental implant(s).
Types of Bone Graft Materials Used in Sinus Lifts
There are several types of bone graft materials that can be used for a sinus lift, including:
- Autograft: Bone tissue extracted from your own body
- Allograft: Donor bone tissue from a human source other than yourself
- Xenograft: Bone tissue from an animal source (e.g., cow or pig)
- Synthetic material: Man-made materials designed to promote bone growth
Who Would Need a Sinus Lift?
If you’re considering dental implants but lack sufficient bone height in your upper jaw bone, or if your sinuses are too close to the jaw, a sinus lift can help create the necessary bone height and volume.
You may also benefit from sinus augmentation if you have:
- Lost upper premolar or molar teeth
- Bone loss from periodontal disease
- Facial or oral trauma
- Inadequate bone density
- Low positioning of sinus
- An enlarged sinus cavity
Sinus Lifts for Dental Implants
For a dental implant to be successful, it must be securely attached to the jawbone. The implant becomes fused with the surrounding bone through a process known as osseointegration. If there is insufficient bone in the upper jaw, the implant may not fully integrate and could fail.
Bone loss can occur for several reasons, including:
- Periodontal gum disease
- Tooth loss
- Trauma to the area
- Cancer
The Sinus Lift Procedure
We use the vertical and lateral osteotome procedures. Here is a breakdown of the procedure steps.
- Exam: Dr. Kesecker will perform a thorough examination, including x-rays, to assess the health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone.
- Preparation: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area, and IV sedation may be provided if necessary.
- Surgery: An incision is made in your gum tissue. The tissue is raised to expose the underlying bone, and a small circle is cut into the bone. The bony piece is lifted into the sinus cavity and the hole is filled with the bone graft.
- Sutures: The incision in your gum tissue is closed with sutures.
Sinus Lift Healing Time
Before the dental implant can be placed, the new bone must fuse with the existing bone in your jaw, which typically takes four to twelve months.
Sinus Lift Recovery
Most patients typically experience minimal discomfort following a sinus lift surgery. Pain can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers. You may experience minor swelling and light bleeding from your nose or mouth.
Aftercare Instructions
We will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help reduce discomfort and aid in healing. Some tips include:
- Avoid sneezing or blowing your nose because it can cause the bone graft to move and loosen the sutures.
- Remove gauze pads 20–30 minutes after leaving the office.
- Use ice packs externally on the operated areas for the first 24 hours. Apply ice packs for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off.
- Avoid consuming hot foods and beverages for 3–4 days. Follow a soft diet for 2–3 months after the surgery.
- Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid hot beverages for 3–4 days after the procedure.
- After surgery, do not rinse your mouth for at least 12 hours. After that, you may gently rinse your mouth three times a day. If bleeding continues, stop rinsing and follow the bleeding instructions. Brush your teeth with toothpaste for good oral hygiene and to reduce infection risk.
- Do not drink through a straw or use a Waterpik flosser over the surgical area for two weeks.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for the week following surgery.
- It is advisable to refrain from smoking for two weeks before and after surgery. Smoking at any time increases the risk of complications, such as infection, poor wound healing, and graft failure.
Follow-Up Care
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled within 7–10 days to check the incision site and remove sutures. Healing time can vary, but regular check-ups are important to make sure everything is progressing smoothly.
Why Trust Legacy Surgery for Sinus Lifts?
At Legacy Surgery, we pride ourselves on our expertise and patient-focused care.
- Experienced Professionals: Dr. Kesecker and his team are experts in dental implant and sinus lift procedures. Over many years, he has consistently achieved exceptional results. His primary clinical interests include dental implant surgery, advanced bone grafting surgery, and sinus lifts.
- Patient-Centered Care: We offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Our goal is for our patients to feel at ease when visiting our office rather than feeling like they are just another number in a clinical setting.
- Advanced Surgical Center: Our state-of-the-art dental center is designed to provide exceptional patient care. Dr. Kesecker uses the most advanced technology to plan and perform precise, comfortable procedures with outstanding long-term benefits. Using the latest techniques and materials guarantees high success rates and patient satisfaction.
Legacy Surgery: Your Oral Surgeon in Harrisonburg, VA
When you choose an experienced oral surgeon for your sinus lift, you’re making the best decision for your dental health.
If you live in the Shenandoah Valley and require a sinus lift before dental implant placement, Legacy Surgery is here to help! Our dedicated team provides expert care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
With advanced training and years of hands-on experience, you can guarantee you are in good hands with Dr. Kesecker.
If you are searching for an ‘oral surgeon in Harrisonburg, VA,’ an ‘oral surgeon in Staunton,’ or an ‘oral surgeon near me,’ call our treatment coordinator today. To book an appointment, call (540) 437-1230 for our Harrisonburg location or (540) 213-8750 for our Staunton location.
FAQ
What is the downside of a sinus lift?
The main downside of a sinus lift is the increased treatment time and cost. The procedure can take up to a year for the bone graft to fully integrate with your jawbone and may require multiple appointments.
How painful is a sinus lift?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort following a sinus lift surgery, which can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, every patient’s pain tolerance and healing process may vary.
How much should a sinus lift cost?
The cost of a sinus lift can range from $1,500 to $5,000 per side, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the type of bone graft material used. However, insurance may cover part of the cost.