Sinus Lifts in Tempe, AZ

Maxillary sinuses are situated just behind the cheeks, right above your upper teeth. The roots of some of the teeth in your upper jaw reach toward these sinus cavities. When you are replacing teeth with dental implants — which require adequate bone mass for successful synthesis — near your sinus cavities, there is a risk that the titanium rods can pierce right through the membrane, leaving you vulnerable to protracted sinus infections, along with other problems.

At Beautiful Dentistry in Tempe, AZ 85284, we are trained to perform the delicate procedure of sinus lifts to replenish the bone and securely place the dental implants.

What Is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, is a bone graft procedure conducted on the upper jaw in the gap between your premolars and molars. It involves placing surplus bone material in areas of low bone mass to augment the bone. As a bone graft heals, new bone growth materializes in the area where it was placed, making it viable for dental implant placement. 

In a sinus lift, bone material is placed to thicken the jawbone to protect the sinus cavities and provide a solid support for the dental implant. It is referred to as a sinus lift because the additional bone basically lifts the sinus cavity floor. 

When Is a Sinus Lift Necessary?

Sinus lifts are necessary when placing dental implants when there is insufficient bone in the upper jaw or when the sinuses are positioned too close to the upper jaw. These conditions could cause the dental implant to damage or penetrate the sinus cavity. 

Bone loss in the upper jaw can take place due to various reasons, including: 

• Periodontal disease that led to the deterioration of the underlying jaw bone.
• Missing teeth weakening the jawbone, starting around six months after a tooth is lost. 
• Prolonged tooth loss leading to bone degradation in the entire jawbone, not just the area where they were lost. 

What Is the Procedure For Sinus Lift?

The sinus lift surgery is conducted under local anesthesia. If we are using bone material from your body, we harvest it first. Incisions are cut in your gums, and the tissue is pulled back to expose your jawbone and the sinus wall. We then lift the floor of the sinus cavity and place the graft material as required. When we are done, we suture your gums closed. Healing could take many months to even a year. When you have healed, we can move ahead with the placement of dental implants.

Call Beautiful Dentistry in Tempe, AZ 85284 at (480) 831-1700 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Sobieraj for more information about sinus lifts and their importance for your oral health.