A Periodontics near you recommends sinus grafting in Kelowna when you need to get dental implants but do not have enough jawbone to anchor the implant in your mouth. Other names for this procedure include sinus lift or sinus augmentation. Many specialists can perform this procedure, but it is most often performed by an oral surgeon or Periodontics near you. In this blog post, our team at Okanagan Perio tells you all you need to know about sinus grafting.
Why is Sinus Grafting Done?
A sinus graft refers to the lifting up of the maxillary sinus to make space for more bone. Your maxillary sinuses are air-filled cavities located above the back part of your upper jaw, also called your maxilla. By performing sinus grafting near you, a Periodontics creates more space to place a dental implant.
If you do not have enough healthy upper jawbones, your dental implant cannot properly anchor in your mouth, and you will not be able to chew or speak with ease.
Your jawbone can deteriorate due to tooth loss, periodontal disease, or genetics.
Preparing for Dental Implants
Getting a dental implant is typically a multi-step process, and a sinus graft and bone graft will be one of the earlier steps in the process. When you visit our team at Okanagan Perio for dental implants, the process will typically involve:
● An initial consultation – where you and your doctor will discuss goals for your procedure.
● An examination – where your doctor will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth with the aid of imaging technologies such as x-rays and CT scans.
● Sinus grafting – if you need more space in your mouth, you will undergo sinus grafting.
● Placement – your doctor will place the implant post.
The length of the dental implant process will depend on your personal circumstances and oral health.
How Does the Sinus Grafting Procedure Work?
Various approaches can be used for sinus grafting. The ideal approach for you will depend on how much bone you currently have the type of bone graft your Periodontics chooses to use, and the potential method for dental implant placement in the future.
The most basic steps involved in a sinus graft are:
- You may be given oral sedatives, or the area will be numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure that you don’t feel any discomfort during your procedure.
- Your Periodontics will then make incisions in the back portion of your gums to expose the bone.
- They will then cut a small portion of the bone, being careful not to cut the sinus membranes.
- They will move this portion of bone up into your sinus cavity and raise the membrane.
- Finally, they will apply your chosen bone graft material into the newly created space before suturing your gums closed.
Recovering From a Sinus Graft
The most common side effects after a sinus graft are bleeding and swelling. Your discomfort should only last a few days, and you will be able to return to normal activities shortly following your procedure.
The most common compilation with sinus graft procedures is the perforation of the sinus membrane, which can increase your risk for chronic sinusitis. If this occurs, your Periodontics will work to repair the membrane or halt the surgery completely.
Following a successful sinus graft, you will need to do the following during recovery:
● Take antibiotics prescribed by your Periodontics
● Avoid brushing your teeth for a short period
● Avoid sneezing and blowing your nose
● Take anti-inflammatories and pain relievers to help with your discomfort
● Avoid drinking from a straw and smoking
Visit Okanagan Perio
Sinus graft surgery is a great way to pave the way for dental implant placement and create a strong anchor for the dental implant, increasing the chances of a successful restoration. If you have any more questions about this procedure, please contact our team at Okanagan Perio today.