In some cases, your expert dentist and oral surgeon might tell you that you need sinus lift or bone grafting before you can have dental implants. These are two different procedures, and the choice depends on a patient’s particular case. In this article, we will talk about sinus lift versus bone grafting.
Why Do I Need Additional Procedures Before Getting Dental Implants?
Dental implants consist not only of a dental crown representing a tooth but also have a metal post (also called a screw) that is placed inside the jawbone. Over time, this post fuses with the bone and begins to act similarly to our natural tooth root. The post provides secure and stable support for the dental crown that is placed on top of it. It also ensures that the new tooth replacement has a biting force similar to our natural one.
The jawbone has to be strong enough to receive and later support the implanted post. Unfortunately, it is not always the case. Some patients’ jaws might not have enough density or width to support the post. This can happen for various reasons:
Bone atrophy (“shrinking”) due to tooth loss. Usually, a patient can lose up to 25% of the bone density in the first year of losing a tooth. That is why it is important to act quickly if you want to replace your missing tooth with a dental implant.
- Gum disease
- Some genetic conditions or illnesses
- Smoking
There can be other problems associated with tooth loss, for example the lack of space for a dental implant. Such issues can be remedied by bone grafting or sinus lift. In some cases, these procedures can be combined.
Sinus Lift versus Bone Grafting: Which Do I Need?
Your dentist will be able to recommend the right procedure for you after carefully examining your case. Radiographs and other types of clinical examinations can be done to assess the condition of the jawbone. Below, we describe both procedures and explain why they might be needed to keep you informed.
What Is Bone Grafting?
Dental bone grafting is a surgical procedure aimed at adding volume and density to the jaw bone. A new bone tissue (natural or artificial) is placed in the areas of the bone that need treatment. Later this tissue will fuse with the jawbone. Once the new bone grafting material is placed in the bone, it prompts the regenerative functions of the body that repair the jawbone structure.
The bone grafting procedure is performed with the use of anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during the surgery. Getting bone grafting as part of dental implant treatment is common, and it is a predictable and routine procedure. After the procedure, you will most likely experience some swelling and pain for a couple of days. However, this type of pain can be easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers. In most cases, patients are also prescribed a course of antibiotics to prevent infection after the surgery.
What Is Sinus Lift?
Professional sinus lift surgery, also called sinus augmentation, is a procedure that is aimed at freeing enough space in the jawbone for dental implants. This procedure can be recommended only when the implants are needed at the back of the top jaw. When a patient loses their teeth in this area, the sinus membrane located above can drop down and begin to occupy the space where the teeth roots used to be. This reduces the height of the bone available for dental implants.
To increase the amount of bone available for dental implants, the sinus membrane is gently lifted and then supported by bone grafting material. After the procedure is done, the patient’s natural bone is fused with the transplanted grafting material, providing a solid foundation for an implant.
There are some options of a simplified sinus lifting procedure, if a patient needs only a couple of millimeters of extra space in the bone. All types of sinus lifting are done under local anesthesia. After the procedure you might expect to have bruising and swelling of the face that can last for several days. Any pain that is caused by the procedure can be easily remedied with over-the-counter painkillers. Antibiotics are also usually prescribed to prevent infection.
Similarly to bone grafting, sinus lift is a safe and predictable surgery with a low risk of complications.
Make an Appointment Today
If you suffer from tooth loss and are considering getting dental implants, make an appointment today with one of our doctors at Smile Specialist CA. A dental implant specialist will carefully assess your case and recommend the best course of action for you. We are looking forward to your visit.