Sinus Lift in Connecticut
A sinus lift (also called a sinus augmentation) is a dental procedure that can help improve the function of your sinuses and help prepare your mouth and jaws for dental implant placement.
Shoreline Dental Care offers sinus lift surgery in Connecticut to our patients who need a strong, healthy jawbone to support dental implants.
What is Sinus Lift Surgery?
Your maxillary sinuses are air-filled cavities located behind your cheeks and on top of the upper teeth. Some of the tooth roots of the upper teeth extend up into the maxillary sinuses. When these upper teeth are removed for any reason (decay, injury, or to prepare for dental implants), there is nothing left but a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth.
Natural teeth and artificial replacements like implants both need a strong, healthy bone structure to support and hold them in place. If the sinus wall is too thin, it can’t adequately support the teeth. A sinus lift can be performed to increase the height of the sinus floor and allow for new bone tissue formation.
The bone grafting procedure is performed by making an incision in the gum tissue and then lifting the tissue away from the upper jaw. The oral surgeon can then place the bone graft material beneath the sinus cavity.
The surgery takes about two hours to complete, and patients may experience some swelling and bruising afterward. Full recovery from a sinus lift can take anywhere from four to six weeks. Once the site is fully healed and the new bone has become strong enough, further dental procedures can be done, such as placing dental implants.
When is a Sinus Lift Needed?
You may need a sinus lift if:
- you have suffered from tooth loss or bone loss, and there is not enough healthy bone to support dental implants
- you are missing a tooth in the back of your upper jaw
- you are missing most of your upper teeth due to a birth defect or medical condition
Sinus Lift FAQs
As long as the patient has enough healthy jaw bone to support the dental implants, a sinus lift is not required. If, however, there is not sufficient bone to provide a strong, sturdy foundation for the implants, a sinus lift may be needed.
Since a sinus lift is a dental procedure, it most likely will not be covered by medical insurance. Every dental insurance plan differs in what qualifies for coverage, but if a sinus lift is deemed medically necessary, your insurance may pay for part of the treatment cost.
No, you will not see a change in the appearance of your face after sinus augmentation. In fact, the procedure often helps to maintain the shape and appearance of your face by fortifying the sinus bone that supports your upper teeth.
Contact Us for a Sinus Lift in Connecticut
If you need dental implants or have been told that you need a sinus lift, we invite you to connect with us to schedule a consultation. Our dedicated team of oral surgeons and dental professionals can answer any questions you may have about the procedure and help you determine if it’s right for you.
We look forward to serving you!
