The first step in the sinus lift process is an initial consultation with Dr. Jennifer Okhiria at the Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite. During this appointment, Dr. Okhiria will conduct a thorough examination of your oral health, take necessary X-rays or CT scans, and discuss your dental history. This is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the procedure, recovery, and expected results.
The actual sinus lift procedure is performed under anesthesia for your comfort. Dr. Okhiria will create a small opening in the bone to expose the sinus membrane. This membrane is then carefully lifted upward, and bone graft material is placed into the space. The area is then stitched closed to allow for healing and bone growth. This procedure is meticulously performed to ensure the integrity of the sinus membrane and the success of the future dental implant.
After the sinus lift procedure, healing time is required for the bone graft material to integrate with your existing bone. This typically takes a few months. Once Dr. Okhiria confirms that the graft has successfully fused with your natural bone, the dental implant can be placed. The implant will serve as a sturdy and reliable foundation for your new dental crown.
A sinus lift is a gateway procedure for dental implant placement in patients who lack sufficient bone height in their upper jaw. It creates the necessary space and bone density for the implants, allowing you to restore your smile with the most durable and natural-looking tooth replacement option available.
By facilitating the placement of dental implants, sinus lifts indirectly contribute to improved oral function and health. Dental implants restore your ability to chew and speak properly, and they also help maintain the shape of your face by preserving bone structure.
Sinus lifts have a high success rate when performed by a skilled oral surgeon like Dr. Okhiria. With careful planning and execution, sinus lifts can pave the way for successful dental implant placement, leading to long-term satisfaction and improved quality of life.
A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons like Dr. Jennifer Okhiria at Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite. The procedure involves adding bone to your upper jaw in the area of your molars and premolars to make it taller. This is done by "lifting" the sinus membrane upward and placing bone graft material in the newly created space. The main aim of a sinus lift is to create enough bone volume so that dental implants can be securely placed.
A sinus lift is typically required when there is not enough bone in the upper jaw, or the sinuses are too close to the jaw, for dental implants to be placed. There are several reasons this can occur. For instance, if you've lost teeth in your upper jaw — particularly the back teeth, or molars — the bone might have begun to be reabsorbed by the body. This often happens following tooth loss. Also, the maxillary sinus may be too close to the upper jaw for implants to be placed. The shape and size of this sinus varies person to person and can get larger as you age. A sinus lift can rectify these issues, providing a secure foundation for implants.
The sinus lift procedure involves a careful surgical process, which is performed at Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite by Dr. Jennifer Okhiria. First, an incision is made into the gum tissue on the back of your upper jaw. The tissue is lifted, revealing the bone. A small, oval window is then opened in the bone. The sinus membrane lining is gently pushed up and away from the jaw. Then, granules of bone-graft material are packed into the space where the sinus was. The amount of bone used will vary, but usually several millimeters of bone is added above the jaw. Once the bone is in place, the tissue is stitched closed. Your implants will be placed four to nine months later, allowing time for the grafted material to mesh with your bone.
After a sinus lift, you can expect some degree of swelling in the area where the bone was added. Some patients also experience minor bleeding from the mouth or nose. Don't be alarmed if you see granules of bone graft material in your mouth for a few days. This is normal and no cause for concern. Dr. Jennifer Okhiria or her team at Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite will provide you with a prescription for medications to help with any discomfort, as well as antibiotics to prevent infection. You will also be given a saline spray to keep the inner lining of your nose wet and instructions on how to use it. It's important to avoid any activities that might cause sinus pressure, such as blowing your nose or sneezing forcefully. You'll have a follow-up appointment in 7-10 days to check the surgical site and remove stitches if they are not self-dissolving.
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