Sinus Lift
What is a sinus lift?
The maxillary sinuses are behind your cheeks and on top of the upper teeth. These sinuses are empty, air-filled spaces. Some of the roots of the natural upper teeth extend up into the maxillary sinuses. When these upper teeth are removed there is often just a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth. Dental implants need bone to hold them in place. When the sinus wall is very thin, it is impossible to place dental implants in this bone.
The key to a successful and long-lasting dental implant is the quality and quantity of jaw bone to which the implant will be attached. If bone loss has occurred due to injury or periodontal disease, a sinus augmentation can raise the sinus floor and allow for new bone formation. A sinus lift is one of the most common bone grafting procedures for patients with bone loss in the upper jaw. The procedure seeks to grow bone in the floor of the maxillary sinus above the bony ridge of the gum line that anchors the teeth in the upper jaw. This enables dental implants to be placed and secured in the new bone growth.
Am I a candidate for a sinus lift procedure?
A sinus lift may be necessary if you:
- are missing more than one tooth in the back of your jaw
- are missing a significant amount of bone in the back of your jaw
- are missing teeth due to a birth defect or condition
- are missing most of the maxillary teeth and require support for dental implants
How is a sinus lift accomplished?
Most commonly, a small incision is made on the premolar or molar region to expose the jaw bone. A small opening is cut into the bone, and the membrane lining the sinus is pushed upward. The underlying space is filled with bone grafting material, either from your own body or from a other sources. Sometimes, synthetic materials that imitate bone formation are used. After the bone is implanted, the incision is sutured and the healing process begins. After several months of healing, the bone becomes part of the patient’s jaw and dental implants can be inserted and stabilized in the newly formed sinus bone.
If enough bone between the upper jaw ridge and the bottom of the sinus is available to sufficiently stabilize the implant, sinus augmentations and implant placement can sometimes be performed as a single procedure. If not enough bone is available, the sinus augmentation will have to be performed first, then the graft will have to mature for up to several months, depending upon the type of graft material used. Once the graft has matured, the implants can be placed.
The sinus graft makes it possible for many patients to have dental implants that previously had no other option besides wearing loose dentures.
A sinus augmentation is generally performed at Dr. Zwickey, Dr. Allen, Dr. Moeller and Dr. Campbell‘s office, under local anesthesia. Some patients may request oral or intravenous sedative medication as well.
Our Patient Testimonials
West Georgia Oral and Facial Surgery
Patient Review from TERRI H
The overall experience was great. The staff was nice and helpful. Dr. Allen took the time to explain everything to me and my son prior to the procedure. After having been to a different place with my older son that I was not pleasedwith, I was very impressed with the entire process here. I have already recommended them to others.
- TERRI H
Patient Review from Jon S
Everything went smoothly. The prep staff know their business, and Dr. Allen did a nice neat job while I was under. In and out in about an hour. Good after-surgery instructions and prescriptions. Good overall experience.
- Jon S
Patient Review from Yolanda M
I hope I don’t ruin out of room. I used to help Dr. Z when he first started doing procedures at the Columbus Regional. And when my dentist Dr. L. Strickland recommended I see him for my extraction I did not hesitate. Then I found out I knew Dr. Allen’s nurse and an appointment became available for him so I took it. I love Dr. Z and didn’t want to cheat on him but when I tell you…that service when you walk in the door.. when you went to your room it was like a NASCAR pit crew…but not rushed.. they covered everything with you. I don’t remember going to sleep but when I woke up, they were all there making sure I was ok. I have told 6 friends about them before 5p. Look them up and make your appointment, they will not disappoint!
- Yolanda M
Patient Review from Shamekas B
Continue being Professional, Respectful, Caring & etc.
- Shamekas B
Patient Review from Elizabeth F
I went in to see Dr. Allen for a tooth extraction and I cannot emphasize enough how great of an experience it was (considering the reason I was there). From the moment I walked in the door until the moment I left, I was blown away by the friendliness and level of professionalism the staff showed me. I honestly don't have a single negative thing to say. Dr. Allen is an extremely skilled and competent doctor. He made the procedure smooth, quick, and painless. The level of care I received far exceeded my expectations. I have no hesitations recommending West Georgia Oral and Facial Surgery to anyone and everyone.
- Elizabeth F
Patient Review from Pauline C
I cannot express my appreciation for Dr. Allen & all the staff at West GA Oral Surgery. They understood my husbands health limitations & were very courteous/helpful to him through the different procedures he had. I believe with the bone grafting, my spouse went through 3 surgeries. After the very 1st visit, he had no worries what so ever as to going back for more surgery. He knew he was in the best care!!!!! Thank you all for all your help.
- Pauline C
Patient Review from Angelica H
Everyone was friendly and helpful. They were so nice and smiling.
- Angelica H
Patient Review from Jill A
Dr. Allen is a truly exceptional Dr. He is one of the most caring and personable drs. I have ever met. The efficiency and quality of care I received at this facility was outstanding. Highly recommend!
- Jill A
Patient Review from HELGA F
This is the best Oral Surgeon around the best compared to the other one then I went to before.
- HELGA F
Patient Review from Juanita I
I'm grateful that the surgeon, his assistant, and other staff members were cordial! I will definitely refer others to West Georgia!
- Juanita I
Patient Review from Christie D
My daughter had her wisdom teeth removed and Dr. Allen and his team were amazing!!
- Christie D
Patient Review from Shakita C
I was so nervous going into this procedure, but everything was amazing. The staff and Dr. Allen are amazing, and I would highly recommend this office for this procedure. Thanks for the awesome service!
- Shakita C
Patient Review from Richard H
The staff was awesome. The head nurse with the needle did an awesome job. The nurse cole was very helpful and very nice and Dr. Allen did an awesome job. The staff did an awesome job they really care about me thank you
- Richard H
Patient Review from Conchetta O
This appt was for my disabled husband. Dr. Allen was extremely sensitive to his issues and providing care. The medical staff was kind and efficient in caring for him.
- Conchetta O
Patient Review from Jan R
I want to look younger and want to talk
- Jan R
Patient Review from Candy C
If I could give Dr Z and his amazing staff 10 stars, I would. I was nervous as a cat when I walked in for my appointment, but everyone, from the check in tech to Dr Z’s awesome assistants was very comforting. One was placing a mask on my face, one placed an IV in my arm for that medicine from the gods, and one was placing a blanket on me because I was cold. I opted to be put under, and am so glad I did. All I remember after they placed the IV was asking whether I should begin counting down from 100. Two seconds later, I was out. Woke up about 45 minutes later asking “Is it over?” It was. I would highly recommend Columbus Oral Surgery. They are top notch and awesome!
- Candy C
Patient Review from Nikki S
Dr Allen and his team were Exceptional! I was very nervous and Dr Allen has a way of making you feel at ease and comfortable! He was personable, friendly, patient, respectful and caring!! He and his staff answered all of my questions and seemed to care about me as a person not just a client!
- Nikki S
Patient Review from Thomas H
This was the most positive dental experience I have every had. The staff worked very effectively the procedure was smooth. We were in the office for a half hour Outstanding team.
- Thomas H
Patient Review from Deborah L
Doctor Allen and his staff were very caring and professional.
- Deborah L
Patient Review from Pauline C
My husband was the patient for the bone grafting. He already has some pre-existing health issues and all the staff & Dr. Allen were very patient with him as well as giving him OUTSTANDING Care!!!!! Very Thankful we came here, and I would recommend West GA Oral Surgery to anyone that needs their services. Thank You ALL Very much!!!!!!
- Pauline C