Sinus Lifts in Washington, DC

Replacing teeth in the upper jaw with dental implants can be challenging for a number of patients. The upper premolar and molar teeth are in close proximity to the maxillary sinus cavity. In some cases, the sinus floor expands into the area that the roots of missing teeth once occupied, reducing the availability of bone support for dental implants in the upper jaw. A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, is an advanced bone grafting technique our board-certified oral surgeons use to increase a patient's candidacy for replacing upper molar and premolar teeth with dental implants. Dr. Edward Delgado and Dr. Michael Kuzmik use specialized skill and precision to perform sinus lifts. They gently elevate the sinus floor and add bone grafting material to increase the quantity and quality of bone in the upper jaw. If you are interested in replacing upper teeth with dental implants or need a tooth extracted from this area, you may be a candidate for a sinus lift procedure. Contact one of our Virginia oral and maxillofacial surgery practice today for a consultation to learn if a sinus lift is ideal for meeting your oral health needs.

A sinus lift procedure may be recommended if you have lost teeth in the upper back area of your jaw or have severely damaged teeth in this area that require extraction. You may also benefit from a sinus lift if the amount of bone tissue available to support dental implants is diminished due to the sinus cavity expanding into the jawbone. To plan your procedure for the best possible results, our surgeons use iCAT™ Cone Beam 3-D images to view your jawbone, sinus cavity, nerves, and the positioning of other oral structures.

Dr. Delgado and Dr. Kuzmik perform sinus augmentation bone grafting procedures within one of our state-of-the-art surgical suites at our practice locations. Before beginning your procedure, we can discuss the methods of sedation dentistry we offer to help keep you relaxed and comfortable during your sinus lift treatment. Our team will begin the procedure by thoroughly numbing the bone, gums, and nerves within the treatment area. Once the anesthetic takes effect, our doctors will access the bone and sinus cavity through an incision made in the gum tissue. We then use a special instrument to raise the floor of the sinus cavity and then add bone grafting tissue in this newly created space to support your future dental implant. Once the sinus is elevated and supported by the addition of new bone, we will suture the gums and give your mouth time to heal.

When your sinus augmentation procedure is complete, our surgical team will give you instructions on how to take care of your mouth and treatment area as you recover. Our doctors may give you a prescription for antibiotics or pain medication to promote healing and comfort during the recovery phase. About 1 –  2 weeks following your sinus lift, we will have you return to our office for a follow-up check and to remove your sutures. It takes a few months for your bone graft to fully heal and fuse with your jawbone. Once this integration process occurs, we can schedule your dental implant surgery and begin your tooth replacement procedure.

A sinus lift procedure may be covered, in part, by dental insurance. A member of our team will contact your insurance provider to determine if this is a covered service and review your benefits schedule. Before starting your treatment, we will inform you of any out-of-pocket costs and discuss the various payment options we accept. If you will not be using insurance for your procedure, we are happy to work with you and review your options. We do accept payment through CareCredit® to help make receiving the care you need for your smile affordable and convenient.

With a sinus lift procedure, replacing upper teeth with dental implants can still be within reach. Dental implants rely on healthy bone tissue for support and to replace missing teeth for the long-term. A sinus lift may be a vital step in restoring your oral health and enjoying a high quality of life. To learn more about sinus lift procedures with Dr. Delgado and Dr. Kuzmik, contact one of our Virginia surgical practices today.