Sinus Lift in Louisville, KY & New Albany, IN
A sinus lift is a simple dental procedure that will prepare your jawbone for dental implants when your sinuses are too close to the upper jawbone. By lifting the sinuses up and away from the jawbone, sufficient space can be created for the bone to add mass from a bone graft to support your new dental implants.
The Sinus Lift Procedure
Before we begin your procedure, we will administer a local anesthetic. When the area is numb, the jawbone will be exposed by making small surgical incisions in the affected region. Next a small opening is made in your jawbone. This allows PerioImplant Associates access to the membrane that lines the sinus. This membrane of the sinus is then gently lifted. The space that is created will then be filled with a bone grafting material. Upon the completion of the bone grafting procedure, the opening is sutured closed, and the wound will begin to heal. Over the course of a few months, the bone grafting material will be fused, bonded, and integrated into and become part of your jawbone. Now the restored upper jawbone will be capable of supporting stable dental implants.
There are situations when it is possible for both the sinus lift and the implant placement procedures can be done together at the same time. The determining factor is whether both the upper jaw ridge and the bottom of the sinus have enough bone mass available to insure a successful, stable implant. If they do, then both procedures can be performed in one visit. If this is not the case and there is not enough jawbone density available, then two separate procedures will be required.
The first procedure will be the sinus lift. The recovery will require several months for the bone graft to mature, although the exact amount of time needed will depend on the type and amount of material used for the bone graft. Once the graft material has reached a level of maturity, the infusion with the jawbone, the dental implants can then be safely installed.
A normal healing time for a sinus lift procedure is four to six months. After healing is completed, the dental implants will be installed. The bone graft procedure compensates for bone that has atrophied and been lost, which can allow for the placement of multiple dental implants.
Contact Our Practice Today
Our goal is to get you back to smiling and chewing with confidence. With our qualified staff and compassionate team, we will listen to your questions and desires to find the best solution for your dental health.
Post-Procedure Aftercare
Post-operative care following your sinus lift is essential to reduce any discomfort and avoid unnecessary complications, such as swelling or infection. One of the most important daily activities to be mindful of is to avoid blowing your nose for the next month. If possible, you also need to avoid sneezing as much as possible too. If you suffer from allergies, prepare with a decongestant.
Beyond that, immediately after your sinus lift, you want to make sure the gauze pad that is placed on the surgical site is kept in place and changed out until the bleeding stops. It is also necessary to avoid brushing that area or rinsing vigorously for two weeks after the surgery, as doing so can cause bleeding to start up again. It is all right to begin brushing your teeth the day after the surgery, but be mindful not to brush the immediate area, and to consider purchasing a softer toothbrush.
Materials Used in a Sinus Lift
To determine which treatment option will be best for you, a thorough examination will be conducted. PerioImplant Associates will require x-rays or CT scans to help determine the bone density and best course of action. The source of the material for your bone grafting is usually from donors, sterilized powdered bone obtained from a reputable bone bank.
The Cost of Your Sinus Lift
The cost of your sinus lift will vary depending on your individual needs and your treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of your sinus lift treatment and your payment options before we begin, so that you can make the best and most comfortable choice for your situation.
Our Specialists Tell Our Story Best
Ramsey Burton, DMD
Dr. Ramsey Burton is originally from Nashville, TN. He received both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Louisville. Following dental school, he completed periodontal specialty training at the University of Kentucky.
Courtney Shearer, DMD, MS
Dr. Courtney Shearer was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She attended Washington and Lee University for her undergraduate degree. She then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where she received her Doctorate in Dentistry.
Jodie Lusby, DMD, MSD
Dr. Jodie Lusby is a Board Certified Periodontist and grew up in Florence, KY. He attended the University of Kentucky where he received his biology degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then attended the Louisville School of Dentistry.
A Warm and Caring Welcome to Our Practice
The entire team at PerioImplant Associates has one collective primary focus, and that is to serve you. It is often normal for you to be anxious about visiting a dentist, or even a dental specialist such as a periodontist. Understanding that anxiety, our team will always take our time in explaining the benefits of your procedure that is being proposed for your dental health. Both offices, Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN, are continuously trained to address health issues and concerns. We will share the aspects of the periodontal treatment, introduce our team, and explain any relevant office policies. Call us today about an evaluation for a sinus lift procedure for you. The entire team will greet you with a smile and send you home with a healthy restored smile of your own that you will be proud to share.