Losing teeth is a devastating experience. After losing teeth, dental experts recommend replacing them as soon as possible to improve your oral health, appearance, and bite. Replacing missing teeth also prevents jawbone deterioration and teeth shifting of the adjacent teeth.
When replacing lost teeth in the upper jaw, sometimes a patient might not have enough jawbone to support a dental implant sufficiently. In that case, the dentist can recommend a sinus lift. Keep reading to learn more about sinus lifts, the procedure, recovery, and possible complications.
A sinus lift is an oral surgery that involves adding more bone to your upper jaw around where molars and premolars are located. A sinus lift is also called a sinus augmentation.
Without enough jawbone density in the upper jaw, the implant might not anchor properly and can fail. Even when the implant is successful, it might not be able to support demanding tasks like grinding and chewing food, which can lead to further complications.
A sinus lift procedure often begins with a consultation. The dentist will examine your oral condition and determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants or a sinus lift. The exam will include x-rays and scans to assess the jawbone health and skull details. Visit our dental clinic for more information about sinus lift procedures.
The exact procedure of a sinus lift may vary based on factors like how much grafting is needed, the type of bone graft, and the dental implant placement procedure. Generally, the procedure can include the following steps:
After a sinus lift, it’s common to experience minor side effects like swelling, discomfort, and bleeding. Fortunately, these symptoms only extend for a few days. Your dentist or surgeon will likely prescribe medication to manage these side effects. Similarly, you can use a cold compress on the cheek against the operated area to manage swelling and pain. Good dental care and hygiene are also essential to prevent infections.
The dentist will also warn you about certain things that can worsen your discomfort and cause further infections. These can include:
Your dentist will likely schedule a follow-up appointment within a week to monitor your progress. However, be sure to contact our North Brunswick dentist if you experience severe symptoms:
Thankfully, sinus lift procedures are very successful. However, like with any surgery, complications are possible, although rare. Common complications of sinus lift include:
For more information about a sinus lift or general dentistry, contact KK Dental – North Brunswick.
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