Tooth loss has a major impact on your entire life. Suddenly, things that you once did with ease become difficult. You may have a hard time eating or speaking. Your oral health can suffer. Tooth loss also leads to bone loss in the jaw. While dental implants are a popular treatment for replacing your missing teeth, they do require sufficient bone mass for stability. In your upper jaw, too little bone loss not only means less support, but it can also put your sinus cavities at risk. Southern Arizona Periodontics can help with a sinus lift.
Bone Loss, Your Sinus Cavities, and Dental Implants
Your teeth play an integral role in the health of your jawbone. Every time you chew, the teeth stimulate the bone. This stimulation tells the body to send nutrients. When you lose teeth, some of this stimulation is lost. As a result, a weaker message is sent, and the body sends fewer nutrients. Over time, the bone begins to weaken and resorb. The bone loses mass and changes shape. With too little bone, dental implants cannot properly stabilize in your jaw. Near your sinus cavities, additional complications occur. With bone loss, the space between your jaw and sinus cavities thins. As a result, not only is there not enough bone for implants, there is also the risk of the posts piercing the sinuses. When this happens, you could be left with chronic sinus infections and other serious issues.
What is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is a procedure that is performed to restore missing bone mass in the jaw while, which will provide support for dental implants, while also creating sufficient space between your jaw and the sinus cavities. It is a surgical procedure that involves lifting up the floors of your sinus cavities and placing bone grafting material in the empty space. Dental implants become possible, and the health of your sinus cavities is protected.
Bone Grafting for Sinus Lifts
To perform a sinus lift, a bone graft is needed. There are a few different types of bone grafts that can be performed. We will go over your options with you to determine the best solution for your needs.
- Autograft. We use bone from your own body, usually harvested from the hip or tibia.
- Allograft. Bone from a compatible donor is used.
- Xenogenic graft. Bone material from another species, such as cow, is used. The bone is first processed at very high temperatures to make it safe for use.
- Synthetic bone grafting materials. There are a few types of synthetic materials, including demineralized bone matrix and bone morphogenic proteins.
How is a Sinus Lift Done?
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure. First, you receive a local anesthetic, which ensures that you will not feel any pain. We can also provide you with sedation, which will help you to remain relaxed and calm. Surgery begins with incisions made in the gum tissue, right near the molars and premolars. Next, incisions are then made in the jawbone. Specialized tools are used to lift the floor of the sinus cavity, and the chosen bone grafting material is placed inside. Finally, your gums are stitched closed. After you have fully healed from your sinus lift, we can then proceed with the implant process.
A sinus lift not only provides more stability for your dental implants, but it also helps to protect your maxillary sinus cavities and prevent serious complications. Call Southern Arizona Periodontics today at (520) 322-9300 for more information and to schedule your consultation.
