Your sinuses are empty cavities in the face that sit next to your nose and below your eyes. Dr. Johnson of the Oral and Facial Institute of Houston can perform a sinus lift to create space for your future dental implants.
Patients often wonder what the procedure is like, how to prepare, and what to expect from recovery. In this post, we will explore everything you need to know about the sinus lift procedure.
Preparation
Your dentist and oral surgeon will walk you through the steps of the procedure and explain how to prepare for the surgery. You will be asked to bring any retainers you were prescribed to wear before treatment. You can eat or drink as usual if you are having local anesthesia for the procedure.
If you have underlying health conditions or need to take antibiotics before any dental work, the team will offer additional guidance on how to prepare for your sinus lift.
The Procedure
You will be numbed by anesthesia or sedation during treatment, so you should not experience pain during your sinus lift. It takes 45 minutes to two hours to complete the procedure. During this time, Dr. Johnson and the team will walk you through treatment and check in to ensure you are completely comfortable.
A sinus lift can be performed externally or internally; external sinus lifts with some existing bone may allow your implant to be placed during the same procedure. Internal sinus lifts with existing bone allow the implant to be placed at the same time.
Patients with severe degenerative bone loss will have to wait for another procedure to ensure there is enough bone for the implant to fuse to.
Aftercare
Unless you are under sedation or general anesthesia, you will be able to drive yourself home after a sinus lift. You may experience some pain and swelling, which can be managed using over-the-counter pain relievers approved by your oral surgeon. You may also be asked to take a round of antibiotics to prevent infection.
Swelling and bruising are common during the first few days following surgery. You should be completely healed within two weeks.
Get the Best Orthodontic Care in Houston, TX
The experienced team at the Oral and Facial Institute of Houston is here to help you restore function and beauty to your smile. With an in-house oral maxillofacial surgeon, as well as an experienced dentist, we provide the most comprehensive care in the area.
Please contact us online or call (281) 491-4545 to schedule your visit with us.
