The maxillary sinus is one of the cavities that make up the paranasal sinuses of our face. It is located at the back of the upper jaw, so we have one on each side of the face, specifically on both sides of our nostrils and under the eye sockets. Sometimes, to insert a dental implant in the back of the denture, it is necessary to perform a maxillary sinus lift.
The maxillary sinuses
have several important functions in the functioning of our body. For example,
they serve to humidify and heat the air we breathe, are the 'resonance
box' of our voice, and help reduce the head's weight. They also
function as protection and insulation for the brain and orbits and participate
in the formation of our skull.
What is a maxillary sinus lift, and what is it for?
The maxillary sinus lift for implant
is a type of oral surgery performed when a patient who needs to get a dental
implant has little bone in the jaw. Specifically in the back part of the upper
jaw
This intervention is
performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, we added synthetic bone
mixed with autologous bone in the posterior area of the upper jaw at the
level of the molars. The technique involves moving the sinus membrane upward to
allow the bone to regenerate. This new bone structure firm will allow us to fix
the dental implants in your teeth safely and effectively.
This operation allows
us to increase the amount of bone available in areas where the patient has
experienced bone loss. This may have happened for several reasons; A strong
blow, gingivitis, cavities, periodontitis or wear caused by an incorrect bite
or bruxism are the most common causes. If treatment is delayed, these problems
can lead to tooth and jaw bone loss.
For this reason, and
as a preventive measure, at a dentist in Arlington, VA. We always recommend
being attentive to the slightest inflammation or infection of our gums or
teeth. If, after a few days, you still feel discomfort or pain in your mouth,
go to the dentist. This way, we can prevent a small problem from becoming a
greater evil.
Advantages of undergoing a maxillary sinus lift
Until a few years ago,
it was unimaginable that someone with little bone in the maxillary sinus could
have dental implants in certain areas. Therefore, this oral surgery is
undoubtedly one of the greatest advances in modern dentistry.
One of the advantages
of this intervention is that it reinforces the effectiveness of implant
treatments in the posterior area of the upper jaw. However, it must be
emphasized that this area is the most complicated to insert dental implants in
since it tends to suffer more frequently from periodontitis or premature tooth
loss. For this reason, the bone graft has helped make it much easier and safer
to place the implants in this part of the denture.
Another value to
highlight is that, on some occasions, dental implants can be placed just after
performing the bone graft. Thus, the patient must only go through the operating
room once. It must be considered that, in other cases, it will be necessary to
wait six months. Everything will depend on the amount of bone grafted and the
patient's oral health, among other causes.
This is how the maxillary sinus lift is performed; A safe and effective technique.
We know that
undergoing any type of intervention can cause fear and uncertainty. But don't
worry; we are experts in implantology at Virginia family Dentist. Also, it's
important to note that the maxillary sinus lift is a simple operation with few
complications and a very high success rate. The postoperative period lasts less
than two weeks, during which the patient will experience swelling in the area
that will peak at 48 hours and gradually reduce over the days.
Before performing a
maxillary sinus lift, the first step is to assess the patient's clinical
history. Afterward, we will carry out an intraoral examination and take an
x-ray of the mouth.
Once the team confirms
that the treatment must be carried out, it is time to prepare the intervention.
This will consist of performing a bone graft in the back part of the upper jaw,
that is, at the level of the molars and premolars. Normally the Cad well-Luc
technique is performed, which was created to clean the maxillary sinus when the
patient suffers from sinusitis. Over the years, this method has been
implemented in dental implantology.
First, local
anesthesia is injected. In this way, we will avoid the patient any type of
discomfort. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, we make an incision in the
gum to access the maxillary sinus. Then we elevate the sinus membrane to fill
the cavity with a bone graft. Finally, we closed the gum again.
Postoperative and recovery after the intervention
You already have your
bone graft. Now, it's time to take care of yourself to avoid complications
after the operation. For this, you must follow all the postoperative care our
specialists indicate. General guidelines include not rinsing or brushing your
teeth for 24 hours after oral surgery. In addition, you should not eat or drink
in the two hours following the intervention and follow a soft and cold diet for
the rest of the day. And, of course, you have to avoid the consumption of
alcohol and tobacco. One trick to reduce swelling is to apply ice to the area
for two hours after grafting.
The bone graft
operation does not require hospital admission, so the patient can go home after
the intervention. The padding used is made of artificial bone, mainly calcium
hydroxyapatite. This substance is biocompatible and biodegradable, so it is safe.
However, it can also be mixed with the patient's bone.
Once inserted, the
bone cells will gradually absorb and reabsorb the hydroxyapatite. This process
usually takes about six months. From that moment on, we can use the bone graft
to place the dental implants. It must be remembered that, in some cases, this
process can be performed right after the sinus lift.
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At Virginia dental clinic, we care about the
health and well-being of all our patients.
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