Sinus Lift
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that your dental surgeon may perform if you need to have bone added to the jaw in preparation for dental implants. This procedure is commonly done when the sinuses are too close to where the implant will be or when there isn’t enough bone height for the implant to hold.
Here is more about a sinus lift in Decatur, GA, and what it could do to help prepare you for a dental implant.
Why Would You Need a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, which is also called a sinus augmentation, adds bone to the upper jaw. Typically, it’s done around the molars or premolars.
A sinus lift might be needed for one of many reasons, such as the following:
- To add more bone to the upper sinus region when it has been lost. Sometimes, when you lose a tooth, the bone in that area shrinks. A sinus lift can replace it.
- To add bone to an area that has been affected by periodontal disease.
- To deepen the bone in a region. Some people have large sinus cavities, making the upper jawbone thinner. Adding bone can ensure enough is present for a dental implant without accidentally entering the sinuses.
The field of dentistry is constantly evolving, with new discoveries being made daily. Oral pathology is the branch of dentistry that studies oral conditions, whether they affect the oral glands, jaw joints, or mouth muscles. The more experts learn about the teeth, jaw, and gums; the easier it is for dentists and surgeons to treat common and uncommon diseases.
The Study of Symptoms
From cold sores to fungal overgrowth, oral conditions manifest and develop differently from patient to patient. An oral pathologist studies these symptoms and notes the patterns they see. Once they know more about how the patient reacts to different conditions, it’s easier to recommend treatment plans.
For example, let’s say that a person develops a cold sore, also known as Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1. This often-painful condition has no cure (and it’s also one of the more contagious oral diseases). Suppose a patient is having trouble eating due to the discomfort of the cold sore. In that case, an oral pathologist may be able to recommend an antiviral cream or prescription to provide the patient with some relief.
The Prevention of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer affects tens of thousands of people in the US, and it caused nearly 11,000 deaths in 2021 alone. While the main causes for oral cancer tend to be heavy tobacco and alcohol use, it’s also connected to anything from poor diet to too much time in the sun. Regular dental exams and cleanings aren’t just ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy, it’s a way to spot the early signs of oral cancer and either try to head them off before they develop or start early treatments.
What Should You Expect During a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift starts with your oral surgeon taking a 3D image of the sinuses and bone structure. From there, a small incision is made into the gums, and a “window” is created. This change is used to push the sinus membrane upward while bone graft material is added in the space it leaves open.
Most people who get a sinus lift need a few days to recover and may require some pain medication. However, the sutured area will feel more normal fairly quickly; underneath, the bone graft will slowly integratewith the existing bone over the course of the following year. Once it is healed, you can move on to the next stage of your treatment plan.
Schedule an Appointment for a Sinus Lift in Decatur, GA
If you are considering a sinus lift in Decatur, GA, then call our offices at Georgia Oral Surgery to schedule your appointment. We will set you up with a consultation so you can learn more about our process and decide if a sinus lift is the right option for you. We are here to help!
