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 jawbone 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
A Better Life Starts With a Beautiful Smile
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brown, Dr. Engebretsen or Dr. Kuhns, call our office in Port St. Lucie, FL!How is this procedure Accomplished?
Most commonly, a small incision is made on the premolar or molar region to expose the jawbone. 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 Drs. Brown, Engebretsen and Kuhns‘s office, under local anesthesia. Some patients may request oral or intravenous sedative medication as well.
Treasure Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Surgery Center
Patient Review By Hannah p
I was so nervous about having my wisdom teeth removed but I had an excellent experience and everything was so smooth! Dr Kuhns and his staff were amazing!
- Hannah p
Patient Review By Justin F
Helped me save a lot of money and took away my fear of the dentist or oral surgery. Made me feel comfortable for every operation. Not to mention my new teeth look amazing. 15 years with 2 missing teeth and these folks truly amazed me.
- Justin F
Patient Review By Dianne B
Dr Brown performed a quite complicated extraction after which I had no pain or swelling! I feel very comfortable putting my care in the hands of this MD, DMD, who has so much experience.
- Dianne B
Patient Review By Cindee A
FIVE STAR Oral Surgeon! Wonderful staff!
- Cindee A
Patient Review By Ted C
Had an upper decayed wisdom tooth and the molar directly in front of it extracted by Dr Kuhns. I could not believe how fast and painless the procedure was! Dr Kuhns and his staff were very thorough and explained everything! I am now about 36 hours after the procedure and virtually pain free following their detailed after care instructions! I cannot thank Dr Kuhns and his staff enough!.. I HIGHLY recommend!
- Ted C
Patient Review By Katie P
From the time I walked in the door until the time I left. The atmosphere, the receptionist(I’m sorry I forgot her name, Janelle, the dental assistant, and Dr. Engebresten all had a calming effect and made you feel comfortable in what is usually an uncomfortable situation. I was well taken care of. It went so fast and pain free and prepped for implants. I look forward in completing the rest of my care with them. I HIGHLY recommend themThank you
- Katie P
Patient Review By Karen M
Dr. Engebretsen is an excellent doctor and very thoughtful and kind. He always makes sure that I am comfortable and not experiencing any pain. I cannot be any happier than I am with him and the work he does!
- Karen M
Patient Review By Matt H
I had a need for a very painful extraction and Dr. Engebretson got me in to office the same day as my request. Both he and Alyssa did my procedure and they were extremely professional and they were outstanding at keeping me informed as to what was happening throughout the entirety of the procedure. The office was very clean and well maintained and I would definitely refer anyone in need of their services. They made a very painful situation very tolerable and as pleasant as possible.
- Matt H
Patient Review By Susan S
Although I had 2 teeth extracted, under anesthesia, it was a great experience. There was no pain afterwards, virtually no bleeding, and no pain or swelling 24 hours later. If I could rate them more than 5 stars I certainly would. Dr. Kuhns called me about 7pm that evening to make sure I was ok.
- Susan S
Patient Review By Chip E
I am a veteran with special needs due to PTSD. The entire staff and Doctors could not be more accommodating to help me through the process. I definitely will return and not hesitate to recommend to family and friends.
- Chip E
Patient Review By John G
#15 extraction over a month ago. ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEMS. You should trust Dr, Brown completely. When he sez a little pressure now, he means pressure, not pain. His manner is so friendly, assuring, & comforting that I wish we could go out and have a beer or 2. P.S. Stock up on soft foods before you go.
- John G
Patient Review By David M
Do yourself a favor and go to Dr Browns office.
- David M
Patient Review By Leslie R
Everyone explained the work being performed
- Leslie R
Patient Review By George R
I had three teeth extracted yesterday including one wisdom tooth. The service was outstanding . Today I have no swelling,bruising,or pain. I am very satisfied with the results. Dr Engebretsen even called last night to check on me. I highly recommend.
- George R
Patient Review By Paula C
I cant say enough about the care I received from Dr Engebretsen and his wonderful staff. They made you feel that they were taking such great care of you. I had 4 implant surgeries. I would not think of going anywhere else.
- Paula C
Patient Review By Jenni H
We were very happy to have a trusted friend in the field refer us to Dr. Brown for my daughters oral surgery. Darlene at the front desk was very helpful and informative and answered all my many questions about the procedure and related costs. Dr.Brown was friendly and knowledgeable and answered all of our questions and concerns and put myself and daughter at ease for her first surgery experience. Also want to say Joey the surgical nurse was awsome and according to my daughter her new friend. She also wants to thank the other girl but she can't remember her name. Thank you all again for a great experience.
- Jenni H
Patient Review By Paul R
I had have three dental implants done by Dr Brown. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. I’m completely satisfied and would highly recommended he and his staff to my family and friends.
- Paul R
Patient Review By Marlie M
We had the best care. Staff went above and beyond. Thank you all
- Marlie M
Patient Review By Leeanne C
Fantastic
- Leeanne C
Patient Review By Briann L
Dr Brown and staff are all very nice and extremely helpful! Highly recommend!!
- Briann L