Sinus Lift Specialist

What is sinus lift surgery?

Also referred to as sinus augmentation, sinus lift surgery is a procedure in which bone is added to your upper jaw near your molars in order to provide support for a dental implant. A dental implant serves as an artificial tooth root and is used as a base to support a crown. In order to make room for the bone, your sinus membrane may need to be moved upward.

Sinus lift surgery is a complex procedure that requires a specialist. The team at Reston Dental Center includes expert dental surgeons who can perform this procedure.

Am I a good candidate for sinus lift surgery?

During an oral health consultation, your dental specialist at Reston Dental Center determines if you’re a good candidate for a sinus lift. The procedure may be recommended if:

• You have bone loss due to gum disease
• Your back molars are missing, leading to the degeneration of the bone
• Your sinus is too close to the jaw to support dental implants

Your specialist may also recommend sinus lift surgery if you don’t have the bone height needed to support a dental implant.

What happens during sinus lift surgery?

Your dental specialist at Reston Dental Center performs your sinus lift surgery at the office and reviews what to expect prior to your procedure so you can properly prepare. To ease your discomfort, your procedure may be performed under local or general anesthesia. While procedure times may vary, your sinus lift surgery may take 90 to 120 minutes.

First, your surgeon makes an incision in the back of your jaw to expose your bone. Then the surgeon cuts a small circle into your bone and lifts your sinus membrane away from your jaw. Bone grafting material is packed into the empty space where your sinus membrane used to be. Your surgeon then closes the incision.

The bone graft serves as a foundation upon which new bone will grow to improve the strength and structure of your jaw to support a dental implant.

How long is the recovery after sinus lift surgery?

You may experience pain and swelling following your sinus lift surgery. You will need to come back to the office periodically so your dentist can monitor your healing and new bone growth.  

It may take several months for full restoration of your bone and placement of your dental implants.

To learn more about sinus lift surgery, call Reston Dental Center today or book an appointment online.