All About Sinus Augmentation
Sinus augmentation, sometimes called a sinus lift, is sometimes necessary for patients who need dental implants. The sinuses go through pneumatization as the body ages, which essentially means that the sinuses get larger. This results in a large amount of air in the sinus cavity, which means that dental implants have nothing to anchor to. Sinus augmentation solves this problem by building up the bone so that dental implants can be placed. This procedure is one of the most frequently performed procedures at Vero Implants & Periodontics, and Dr. Brown is an expert in this area.
How Does Sinus Augmentation Work?
Sinus augmentation is often called a sinus lift because it actually shifts the sinus membrane higher so that there’s room for the bone to be added. Dr. Brown will create an opening in the gums, where the missing teeth were. With the bone exposed, a very small opening is created in the bone. The membrane that lines the sinus is moved upwards so that new bone (bone grafts) can be moved into the area previously occupied by the sinus. The exact amount of bone graft material placed in this area varies according to the patient. Typically, a minimum of a few millimeters is placed. After the new bone is added, Dr. Brown will close the gums again with small stitches.
What to Expect After Sinus Augmentation
Sinus augmentation has one of the easiest and most predictable recoveries of all the procedures done at Vero Implants & Periodontics. Following the procedure, you might experience some swelling in the surgical area. Mild bleeding from the nose, the mouth, or both areas is possible. It’s important to use caution when blowing your nose or when sneezing. Use as little force as possible to avoid shifting the newly placed bone grafts.
Dr. Brown may recommend that you use a saline spray after sinus augmentation surgery, as this can help prevent sinus dryness. You’ll need to take antibiotics after sinus augmentation surgery. Antibiotics prevent infection, so it’s very important to finish the prescription as directed. If you receive prescription pain medication, take the medicine only as needed and as directed. Most patients experience very little pain after this procedure, so over the counter pain medicine may be sufficient for any discomfort in the first day or two after sinus augmentation. You can also use an ice pack on your face, applied for about 20 minutes at a time, to alleviate discomfort and swelling.
You’ll typically return to see Dr. Brown 7-10 days after your sinus augmentation procedure. If you have stitches, they will be removed at that time. At this point, most patients are healing nicely and are not in any pain at all. The majority of sinus augmentation patients are able to go back to work after around a week
When Can You Get Your Dental Implants?
The new bone grafts will integrate with your own natural bone over time. It generally takes at least several months, and possibly up to nine months, before the bone grafts are fully integrated. Once this occurs, your new dental implants can be placed.
Are You a Candidate for Sinus Augmentation?
Many people who need dental implants are candidates for sinus augmentation. If you don’t have enough bone to support the dental implants that you need, Dr. Brown can add that bone through sinus augmentation. While lack of quality support bone was once a major obstacle to getting dental implants, today’s technologically advanced sinus augmentation procedures can now allow nearly anyone who needs dental implants to get them.
Dr. Jeffrey Brown is a highly recommended Vero Beach and Melbourne periodontist. As a Chief Resident at the University of Florida, he gained extensive experience in treating periodontal disease patients and placing dental implants. Dr. Brown diagnoses and treats periodontal disease, and also helps patients with preventive treatments. Contact Vero Implants & Periodontics anytime to set up a visit with Dr. Brown.