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What Is a Sinus Lift in Dental Implant Placement?

Sinus Lift by Solomon Family Dentistry in Summerville, SC

A sinus lift is a specialized dental procedure critical in successful dental implant placement, particularly for individuals with insufficient bone structure in the upper jaw. This innovative surgery ensures implants have a strong and stable foundation, increasing their longevity and effectiveness.

Discover how sinus lifts can transform your oral health. This article explains what sinus lift surgery entails, why it’s essential for dental implants, and what patients in Summerville, SC, need to know.

What Are Sinus Lifts?

A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation or sinus graft, is a surgical procedure designed to add bone mass to the upper jaw, specifically in the area of the molars and premolars. This additional bone strengthens the jaw, securely anchoring dental implants to replace missing teeth. It also ensures that your dental implants have the support needed to integrate into the jawbone and function like natural teeth.

If you want to restore your smile but lack sufficient jawbone, a sinus lift can give you the beautiful, functional teeth you deserve.

How Do Sinus Lifts Work?

Sinus lifts involve gently raising the sinus membrane to create space for bone graft material, which promotes bone growth in the upper jaw. Here’s what the procedure entails:

  1. Preparation: Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area and may offer a sedative to help you relax.
  2. Creating Access: An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone.
  3. Sinus lifting: A small window is carefully created in the lateral wall of the sinus, and the sinus membrane (Schneiderian membrane) is gently lifted upward to make space for bone graft material.
  4. Bone Grafting: Bone graft material from your body, a donor, or synthetic (human-made) bone is placed in the space created beneath the sinus membrane.
  5. Closure: The incision is stitched closed to begin the healing process.

Benefits of Sinus Lifts

Choosing sinus lift surgery is vital for patients who want to replace missing teeth with durable and functional dental implants but lack jawbone support. This procedure addresses a common obstacle—insufficient bone in the upper jaw—by creating a strong and stable foundation for implants to integrate successfully.

Sinus lifts enhance the success rate of dental implants and offer transformative improvements to oral health, overall functionality, and confidence. For those in Summerville, SC, sinus lifts are an investment in achieving a healthier smile that lasts a lifetime.

Here are some of the long-term benefits sinus lift surgery provides:

  • More substantial Implant Support: Adequate bone structure ensures dental implants remain secure for years.
  • Improved Sinus Health: When correctly performed, this procedure creates adequate separation between the dental implants and the sinus cavity, reducing the risk of complications.
  • Enhanced Oral Functionality: Properly placed dental implants allow you to chew and speak freely.

Are You a Candidate for a Sinus Lift?

Determining if a sinus lift suits you begins with thoroughly evaluating your oral health. Your dentist will:

  • Review your dental and medical history.
  • Examine your gums and teeth.
  • Use advanced imaging, such as dental X-rays, to assess your jawbone structure.

Based on these findings, they’ll create a customized treatment plan to meet your needs.

When Is a Sinus Lift Necessary?

Sinus lift surgery is recommended when:

  1. Insufficient Bone Structure: Bone loss can occur due to periodontal disease, trauma, or natural resorption after tooth loss.
  2. Proximity to the Sinus Cavity: Sometimes, the sinuses are naturally positioned too close to the jaw, leaving insufficient space for implants.
  3. Preparation for Dental Implants: The jawbone must provide adequate support for dental implants to remain secure.

Aftercare and Recovery

Following a sinus lift, some swelling, redness, and minor bleeding are normal. To ensure a smooth recovery:

  • Keep your dentist’s post-procedure instructions in mind.
  • Take prescribed medications as directed.
  • Avoid activities like sneezing forcefully, blowing your nose, using straws, or smoking, as these actions can disrupt healing.

Full recovery typically takes 4-12 months when the new bone integrates with your jawbone. Once healed, your dentist can proceed with placing dental implants.

Why Sinus Lifts in Summerville, SC, Are a Smart Choice

Residents of Summerville, SC, seeking dental implants will find that sinus lift surgery ensures a higher success rate for their treatment. Addressing bone deficiencies early reduces the likelihood of complications and provides lasting results.

Choosing a local provider with experience in sinus lifts allows patients to access the care they need with minimal disruption to their daily lives. Look for a dental office that offers personalized consultations, advanced imaging technology, and a proven track record of performing sinus lifts and dental implants.

If you’re considering a sinus lift to support your dental implants, now is the perfect time to explore your options. Schedule your Sinus Lift consultation today to learn how this innovative procedure can enhance oral health and pave the way for a confident smile.

Sinus Lifts: Restoring Your Jawbone for Dental Implants

A sinus lift can be life-changing for individuals looking to restore their smile with dental implants. If you’re missing permanent teeth and lack the necessary jawbone support for dental implants, sinus lifts can provide the solution. At Solomon Family Dentistry, our skilled team offers sinus lift procedures to augment the jawbone, ensuring a strong foundation for artificial teeth. We’re committed to helping you achieve your dental goals professionally and carefully.

By ensuring a solid foundation through sinus lift surgery, you take the first step toward a healthier and more functional smile. Don’t wait—reach out today and discover how sinus lifts in Summerville, SC, can make a lasting difference in your life.

Visit our contact page to book your appointment and begin your journey toward a healthier, more confident smile. 

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Dr Ari Socher

Fred Solomon, DMD

Frederick Solomon, DMD, is an experienced general dentist and founder of Solomon Family Dentistry, with five locations in Summerville and one in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. He is proud to be able to offer comprehensive oral health care to so many communities in South Carolina. 

Dr. Solomon started out with a small dentist office in Summerville, just off of Beauregard, which had two treatment operatories and one operatory for dental hygiene. Over the years, Dr. Solomon has expanded the practice, building a new office and moving down the highway off of Royal Road. His intention of starting a small practice to help the community has now progressed into a larger dentist office that reaches out to patients in the Summerville, Moncks Corner, Goose Creek, and surrounding areas.

Dr. Solomon graduated from St. Andrews High School and continued on to complete his undergrad studies at the University of Maryland. From there, he came back to Charleston to complete his education for dental school at MUSC and has resided here ever since. 

When not in the dentist’s office, Dr. Solomon enjoys spending time with his wife and family and picking up a good book for the occasional read.

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