Dental implants are the most highly regarded form of tooth replacement currently available. The wide acceptance of the dental implant procedure is due to the implant’s ability to closely mimic the structure and function of a natural tooth. This procedure can be customized and configured to accommodate the needs of virtually any patient with tremendous success.
For the most ideal outcome following the placement of dental implants, the proposed location of the new tooth must have enough healthy bone to support an implant post. If necessary, additional surgical procedures may be required in order to create a healthy environment for the implant.
For the most ideal outcome following the placement of dental implants, the proposed location of the new tooth must have enough healthy bone to support an implant post.
A sinus lift is an example of a surgical procedure that may be required for the placement of the dental implant. Also known as a sinus augmentation, this procedure is used to increase the quality and density of the bone in the upper jaw near the premolars and molars. By thickening the bone that separates the sinus cavity from the oral cavity, there can be adequate space for the post of your dental implant.
In order to accommodate the additional bone structure, the floor or the bottom of the sinus cavity must be repositioned. The lower border of the sinus will be slightly “lifted” upward in order to increase the distance between sinus cavity and the dental implant. The procedure is sometimes performed several months before the implant will be placed, but may also be performed during the actual implant procedure.
A sinus lift is not always a necessary part of the implant procedure. Instead, it will be recommended only for those patients who may not have enough healthy bone to support implants near the upper sinuses. The procedure will also be indicated when the sinus cavity is especially large, or when years of bone loss has decreased the density of the upper jaw bone.
For more answers to questions about the logistics of your dental implant procedure, contact Broadway Dental at 516-681-2525 for a personalized consultation.