For many patients seeking to restore their smile with dental implants, a common challenge arises when there isn’t enough bone in the upper jaw to securely support these implants. This is where a sinus lift – a sophisticated yet routine procedure – becomes essential. At The Briars Dental Centre in Newbury, our experienced team led by Dr. Veige regularly performs this transformative procedure, helping patients achieve their dental goals with confidence.
A sinus lift (also known as sinus augmentation or sinus floor elevation) is a surgical procedure that adds bone to your upper jaw in the area of your premolars and molars. The bone is added between your jaw and the maxillary sinuses, which are located on either side of your nose. To make room for the additional bone, the sinus membrane is gently raised, or “lifted” – hence the name “sinus lift.”
This procedure creates a strong foundation for dental implants in areas where natural bone has diminished, ensuring long-term success and stability of your dental restorations.
There are several reasons why our patients at The Briars might require a sinus lift before dental implant placement:
1. Natural Bone Loss
When teeth in the upper jaw are lost, the bone that once surrounded these teeth begins to resorb (deteriorate) over time. In fact, approximately 25% of bone volume can be lost within the first year after tooth extraction, and this process continues if not addressed.
2. Enlarged Sinus Cavities
As we age, our maxillary sinuses naturally expand, sometimes extending into areas previously occupied by tooth roots. This expansion reduces available bone height for implant placement.
3. Periodontal Disease
Advanced gum disease can lead to significant bone loss around teeth, reducing the available bone for future implant placement.
4. Anatomical Variations
Some people simply have naturally thin bone in the upper jaw or larger sinus cavities that extend lower toward the tooth roots.
At The Briars Dental Centre, we ensure every procedure is performed with the highest standard of care and precision. Here’s what you can expect during a sinus lift procedure:
Initial Assessment
The journey begins with a comprehensive examination, including detailed imaging such as CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scans. This allows us to precisely assess your unique sinus and bone anatomy, ensuring optimal planning for the procedure.
The Procedure
Dr. Veige and our team perform sinus lifts using techniques tailored to each patient’s specific needs:
1. Preparation: Local anaesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
2. Access: A small, precise incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone of the lateral wall of the sinus.
3. Creating Space: A small window is carefully created in the bone, allowing access to the sinus membrane.
4. Membrane Elevation: The sinus membrane is gently lifted away from the floor of the sinus, creating a space for the bone graft material.
5. Bone Grafting: Bone graft material is placed into this new space. At The Briars, we use high-quality bone grafting materials that serve as a scaffold for your body’s natural bone to grow into.
6. Closure: The gum tissue is repositioned and secured with sutures to allow for proper healing.
Recovery and Healing
Following your sinus lift procedure, we provide comprehensive aftercare instructions. You may experience some swelling and minor discomfort, which typically subsides within a few days. We recommend:
– Avoiding strenuous physical activity for 3-5 days
– Not blowing your nose forcefully for about two weeks
– Taking prescribed medications as directed
– Following specific oral hygiene instructions
The healing process generally takes 4-9 months, during which the bone graft integrates with your natural bone, creating a strong foundation for your future implants.
Depending on your specific case and the amount of bone needed, dental implants can sometimes be placed during the same procedure as the sinus lift if there’s adequate existing bone for initial implant stability. In other cases, we wait for the grafted area to heal and develop into solid bone before implant placement, typically 4-9 months later.
Our team at The Briars will develop a personalised treatment plan that outlines your specific timeline, ensuring optimal results for your dental implant journey.
At The Briars Dental Centre, we combine expertise with compassionate care to provide exceptional results:
– Experienced Practitioners: Dr. Veige has extensive experience in performing sinus lift procedures, having helped countless patients achieve successful dental implant outcomes.
– Advanced Technology: Our state-of-the-art technology, including CBCT scans and digital planning, ensures precise and predictable results.
– Comprehensive Care: From your initial consultation through to your final restoration, we provide a seamless, supportive experience in our luxurious and comfortable environment.
– Multidisciplinary Approach: Our team of specialists works together to address every aspect of your oral health, ensuring holistic care that delivers exceptional results.
Sinus lift procedures have an impressive success rate, with studies showing over 95% success when performed by experienced clinicians. When followed by properly placed dental implants, patients can enjoy:
– Restored ability to chew and speak confidently
– Prevention of further bone loss in the jaw
– Maintenance of facial structure and aesthetics
– Long-lasting, stable dental restorations
– Improved quality of life
Is a sinus lift painful?
The procedure itself is performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring you feel no pain during treatment. Post-procedure discomfort is typically mild to moderate and can be managed effectively with prescribed medications.
How long does a sinus lift take to perform?
The procedure usually takes 60-90 minutes per side, depending on the complexity of your case.
Will I need time off work?
Most patients take 2-3 days off work following a sinus lift procedure, although this varies based on individual healing and the nature of your work.
Are there any alternatives to a sinus lift?
In some cases, short dental implants or implants placed at an angle may be options for avoiding a sinus lift. However, a sinus lift often provides the most predictable long-term results for upper jaw implant placement. Our team will discuss all viable options during your consultation.
If you’re considering dental implants but have been told you have insufficient bone in your upper jaw, a sinus lift procedure at The Briars Dental Centre could be your pathway to a complete, confident smile.
Contact our friendly team today on 01635 40311, or contact us here to schedule a consultation with Dr. Veige and discover how we can help you achieve your dental goals.
For more information about dental implants and additional procedures such as sinus lifts, please visit the websites below:
1. https://www.bda.org/patients/treatments/implants – British Dental Association’s patient information on implants
2. https://www.baos.org.uk/patient-information-leaflets/ – British Association of Oral Surgeons patient information
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dental-implants/ – NHS information on dental implants
