Achieving Height and Volume: The Benefits of Sinus Augmentation for Implant Dentistry
Weston Dental Practice offers dental implants to replace missing teeth. It provides a permanent solution to improve your oral health and aesthetics. To get a dental implant the most important prerequisite is having sufficient bone thickness and density.
But what if you have a compromised bone height and volume? This may negatively impact the implant surgery outcome which may eventually fail. Fret not, sinus augmentation can solve all your hurdles.
Understanding sinus augmentation
Sinus augmentation, or sinus lift, is a surgical procedure that involves raising or lifting the sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of dental implants. The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality and the proximity to the sinus.
Reasons to perform a sinus augmentation
Tooth loss remains the most prevalent dental issue, often stemming from causes like decay, injury, or gum disease. Dental implants have emerged as the preferred solution to address the resulting gaps from tooth loss. These prostheses serve as a sturdy support for customized restorations like crowns and dentures. The success of an implant solely depends on the condition of the jawbone. This is essential for proper osseointegration (fusion of the implant with the bone).
However, sometimes the jawbone may lack the necessary thickness to support implant placement. In such cases, there is an increased risk of implant failure. To overcome this challenge, your dentist may recommend sinus augmentation as a preparatory procedure.
How is sinus augmentation performed?
The sinus augmentation procedure involves the following:
Preparation
Your dentist will discuss your expectations and evaluate your oral cavity. Necessary dental X-rays will be taken to check the bone health
Procedure
Your dentist may administer an oral or intravenous sedative or local anesthesia to numb the area to ease discomfort. Small incisions or cuts will be made into the back portions of the gum tissues to expose the bone. Your dentist will then drill a tiny hole in the bone carefully without damaging the sinus membrane. The cut portion of the bone will be lifted, raising the sinus membrane. A bone graft will be placed in the newly lifted area, and the incisions on your gums will be closed using sutures.
What does the recovery process involve?
For optimal healing and quick recovery:
- Take antibiotics to prevent infection
- Take pain-relieving medications
- Avoid blowing your nose or sneezing vigorously
- Avoid brushing your teeth near the surgical site for a certain time
- Refrain from drinking through a straw
- Refrain from smoking
Conclusion
Sinus augmentation, or sinus lift surgery, can facilitate the placement of dental implants with a higher success rate. This outpatient procedure offers minimal invasiveness, causes less trauma to the surrounding structures, and allows a swift recovery.