Sinus Lift in Winston-Salem

What Is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift, also known as a sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure designed to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw by lifting the sinus cavity floor. The procedure is commonly performed when there is not enough bone in the back portion of the upper jaw to support dental implants. This lack of bone can occur for a variety of reasons, such as bone loss due to periodontal disease, long-term tooth loss, or naturally occurring factors.

During a sinus lift, bone material is added to the area around your upper molars or premolars. This bone will eventually fuse with your natural bone over time, creating a strong and stable foundation for dental implants.

Why Is a Sinus Lift Necessary?

A sinus lift is often required when the sinus cavity is too close to the jawbone to support a dental implant. This can happen for several reasons:

• Bone Loss: Over time, bone loss can occur in the upper jaw after losing teeth, making it difficult for dental implants to take hold.
• Sinus Expansion: The sinuses naturally expand with age, leaving less bone for implants.
• Tooth Extraction: After tooth loss, the bone surrounding the missing tooth can shrink, creating an insufficient amount of bone for implants.

In these cases, a sinus lift provides additional bone material that supports dental implants and ensures a successful, lasting restoration.

The Sinus Lift Procedure

At Encore Dental Studio, we prioritize your comfort and safety during every procedure. Here's what you can expect during a sinus lift:

1. Consultation and Assessment

Before performing the sinus lift, our experienced team will conduct a thorough evaluation, which includes digital X-rays or 3D imaging to assess your bone structure and sinus cavity. This helps us determine if a sinus lift is necessary and the best approach for your specific case.

2. Anesthesia and Sedation

To ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure, we offer local anesthesia and sedation options. This ensures that you will feel relaxed and pain-free during the sinus lift.

3. The Surgical Procedure

During the sinus lift surgery, a small incision is made in the gum tissue, and a small opening is created in the bone to access the sinus cavity. The sinus membrane is gently lifted to create space, and bone graft material is placed in the area. The gum is then sutured closed to begin the healing process.

4. Healing and Bone Integration

The bone graft will gradually fuse with your natural bone over the next few months. During this healing period, you may need to wait several months (typically 4-12 months) before dental implants can be placed. We will monitor your healing progress to ensure that the graft integrates well with your bone.

5. Placement of Dental Implants

Once your sinus lift has fully healed and the bone has integrated, you will be ready for dental implant placement. A follow-up procedure will be scheduled to place the implants securely in the newly grafted bone.

Benefits of Sinus Lift Surgery

A sinus lift offers several key benefits, particularly for those looking to restore their smile with dental implants:

• Increased Bone Volume: The procedure adds bone to the upper jaw, providing a solid foundation for dental implants.
• Improved Implant Success: A sinus lift improves the chances of a successful dental implant placement, as it provides the necessary bone for the implant to fuse with.
• Prevents Further Bone Loss: By restoring the bone in the upper jaw, the sinus lift helps prevent further bone resorption, maintaining the structure of the jaw.
• Restores Your Smile: With the help of dental implants supported by a sinus lift, you can restore both the function and aesthetics of your smile.

What to Expect After a Sinus Lift

Recovery after a sinus lift is generally smooth, and most patients experience only mild discomfort. Here's what to expect during your recovery:

• Swelling and Bruising: It’s normal to experience some swelling and bruising around the surgical site. Applying ice and following post-operative instructions will help manage this.
• Mild Discomfort: Pain after the procedure can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. If necessary, we will prescribe stronger pain relief.
• Dietary Restrictions: We recommend a soft diet for a few days to avoid disturbing the surgical site.
• Follow-Up Visits: You’ll have follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and ensure that the graft is integrating correctly.

Most patients return to their normal activities within a few days, though full healing may take several months.

Why Choose Encore Dental Studio for Your Sinus Lift?

At Encore Dental Studio, we are committed to providing the highest quality care for our patients. Here’s why you should trust us for your sinus lift procedure:

• Experienced Team: Our dentists and surgical team have extensive experience in performing sinus lifts and other advanced dental procedures.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that your sinus lift is performed with precision and care.
• Comfort and Care: We focus on providing a comfortable, stress-free experience, offering sedation and personalized care to ensure you feel at ease.
• Comprehensive Treatment: From your initial consultation to your dental implant restoration, we offer complete care to ensure that your treatment is successful and meets your expectations.

How Long Does a Sinus Lift Take?

The sinus lift procedure itself typically takes about 1 to 2 hours. However, the healing time after the surgery is more extensive. It may take anywhere from 4 to 12 months for the bone graft to integrate with your natural bone before dental implants can be placed. Your dentist will guide you through the timeline and keep you informed of your progress.

Schedule Your Sinus Lift Consultation Today!

If you are considering dental implants and need a sinus lift to ensure their success, don’t wait—contact Encore Dental Studio in Winston-Salem today. Our expert team is here to help you restore your smile and achieve the beautiful, functional teeth you deserve.

Call us today to schedule a consultation for your sinus lift procedure!