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Sinus Lift Specialist

Silicon Valley Dental Associates -  - Cosmetic, Implant, and General Dentistry

Silicon Valley Dental Associates

Cosmetic, Implant, and General Dentists located in Sunnyvale, CA

If you lose a tooth in your upper jaw, you might need a bone graft with a sinus lift to prepare for a sturdy, long-lasting implant. At Silicon Valley Dental Associates in Sunnyvale, California, dentists Colin Au, DDS, Dianna Fung, DDS, and their team perform sinus lifts to push your sinus upward and make room for a bone graft. For more information about this procedure, call Silicon Valley Dental Associates, or book an appointment online today.

Sinus Lift Q&A

What are sinus lifts?

A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that the team at Silicon Valley Dental Associates performs to make your upper jawbone thicker in preparation for an implant. During the procedure, the team makes an incision in your gums to access the jawbone. They cut a small hole in the bone. Through the hole, they gently push the membrane around your sinus upward. Your sinus is the empty cavity right above your jawbone and is part of your respiratory tract. 

After they lift the membrane, the team inserts bone grafting material into the open space. The grafting material might be human bone tissue, bovine (cow) bone tissue, or synthetic bone tissue. The team closes the incision with stitches and allows you time to heal. During your healing time, your bone tissue grows around the graft to become stronger, sturdier, and thicker. 

When do I need a sinus lift?

There are several reasons why you might need a sinus lift before getting an implant to replace a tooth in your upper jaw. 

In some cases, you lose bone density in the area after losing the tooth. This makes your jawbone less sturdy and can expand your sinus in the process. You can also lose some of the bone in your upper jaw to gum disease. 

Even if you haven’t lost any bone density, the team at Silicon Valley Dental Associates might recommend a sinus lift because of your natural anatomy. 

You might have been born with an unusually large sinus, or it can expand with time as you age. Additionally, your upper jawbone is naturally smaller than your lower jawbone and is more likely to require a bone graft for implant placement. 

What should I expect during recovery after a sinus lift?

It takes a few days to recover from your sinus lift surgery. The team gives you specific instructions to follow for a smooth recovery and to stay comfortable. They might include:

  • Changing your gauze pad regularly to control bleeding
  • Applying ice intermittently to control swelling
  • Using an over-the-counter pain reliever for discomfort
  • Drinking lots of fluids
  • Eating only soft foods for a prescribed period of time
  • Using a warm saltwater rinse to keep your mouth clean

You should also avoid smoking as you heal since smoking can slow the healing process and can lead to an infection. The team might prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat an infection at the surgical site. 

To find out if you need a sinus lift before getting dental implants, book a consultation by phone or schedule one online today.