A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation or sinus elevation, is a surgical procedure performed to increase the bone volume in the upper jaw, specifically in the area of the molars and premolars. This procedure is often necessary when the bone in the upper jaw is insufficient to support dental implants.

Why Is a Sinus Lift Needed?

Several factors can lead to insufficient bone in the upper jaw, including tooth loss, periodontal disease, or natural bone resorption. When planning for dental implants in the upper posterior region, it is essential to have a stable and adequate bone foundation. A sinus lift creates the necessary space and support for successful implant placement.

Benefits of a Sinus Lift

  • Facilitates Implant Placement: A sinus lift makes it possible to secure dental implants in the upper jaw, even when the natural bone volume is limited.
  • Enhances Implant Success: By creating a stable foundation, a sinus lift significantly increases the likelihood of successful implant integration and long-term stability.
  • Restores Dental Function: The procedure helps restore lost chewing function and prevents further tooth loss.
  • Improves Aesthetics: A sinus lift can enhance facial aesthetics by preserving the natural contours of the jaw and preventing a sunken appearance.
  • Minimizes Complications: With careful planning and execution, a sinus lift procedure is safe and minimizes the risk of complications.

The Sinus Lift Procedure

Before the sinus lift procedure, you may be advised to:

  • Cease Smoking: If you smoke, it’s essential to quit or significantly reduce smoking, as smoking can impair the healing process.
  • Medications: Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to prevent infection or manage postoperative discomfort.

Sinus Lift Surgery

The sinus lift procedure itself involves several key steps:

  • Anesthesia: You will receive local anesthesia to numb the surgical area, ensuring your comfort during the procedure.
  • Incision: A small incision is made in the gum tissue near the premolars or molars, providing access to the underlying bone.
  • Lifting the Sinus Membrane: The sinus membrane is gently lifted, creating a space between the sinus cavity and the jawbone, using specialist instrumentation.
  • Bone Grafting: A bone graft material, often sourced from your body or a synthetic material, is placed in the space created above the jawbone. This graft material encourages the growth of new bone.
  • Closure: The incision is sutured closed, and the surgical site is carefully protected.

Healing and Osseointegration

After the sinus lift, a healing period is necessary for the graft material to integrate with your natural bone. During this time, it’s essential to:

  • Avoid Forceful Activities: Strenuous activities should be avoided to prevent any disruption to the healing process.
  • Follow Postoperative Instructions: Your dental team will provide you with specific postoperative care instructions, including guidelines on pain management and oral hygiene.
  • Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress.

Dental Implant Placement

Once sufficient bone volume is achieved, typically several months after the sinus lift, you can proceed with dental implant placement. Our surgeon will carefully assess the condition of the graft site and ensure that it is ready for implant surgery.

Sinus lift surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring you experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Postoperatively, you may experience mild discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications.

Recovery time can vary depending on the individual, but most patients can expect a few days of downtime. It’s essential to follow postoperative care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

Sinus lift procedures are generally safe when performed by experienced dental professionals. Risks are minimal but may include infection, bleeding, or graft failure. Your dental team will take all necessary precautions to minimize these risks.

In most cases, dental implant placement is performed several months after a sinus lift, allowing time for the graft material to integrate with your natural bone. However, immediate implant placement may be considered in certain situations, depending on the specific case.

The need for a sinus lift on both sides of the upper jaw depends on your individual case and the condition of your bone. We will recommend the appropriate treatment plan based on your unique needs.
At Dulwich Dental Office, we understand that a sinus lift procedure can be a crucial step in achieving a fully functional and aesthetically pleasing smile, especially when considering dental implants. Our experienced dental team is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care throughout your sinus lift journey. If you’re ready to explore this advanced dental solution or have any questions, please contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Conclusion

We are committed to offering the latest advancements in dental implant technology, including Immediate Load Dental Implants. This innovative procedure can transform your smile and your life, providing you with a fast, efficient, and long-lasting solution to missing teeth. If you’re ready to take the next step towards a beautiful smile, contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Our Immediate Load Implat Expert Dr Javier Perez

dr-javier-perez

Dr Javier Perez

Dental Implant and Oral Surgeon
Lic Odont, PG Cert (Implant), MClinDent (Implant), Dip Oral Surg RCS (Eng), PG Cert Cons Sed
GDC No: 225487
Special interest in Oral Surgery & Dental Implants

Dr Javier Perez graduated in dental surgery in 2010.

His clinical practice is focused on dental implants and oral surgery, from simple single tooth replacements to complex reconstructions involving both soft and hard tissues.

Dr Javier has completed a Masters in Implant Dentistry MClinDent (Implant) in London over three years and was awarded a diploma in Oral Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, one of the most prestigious colleges in UK.
Dr Perez has trained in Oral Surgery at the Maxillofacial Unit in the Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in South England. He is at the forefront of dental implants and oral surgery regularly attending National and International conferences to develop his skills and learn about the latest trends in Implantology.

At Dulwich Dental our implant team have placed over 5000 implants, often undertaking and being referred cases from other practioners. We also consult and treat cases where you may have been told that you are unsuitable for dental implants. Having assembled one of the countries leading dental implant teams we can treat the most advanced and complex cases here at Dulwich Dental Office.

Outside of work Dr Javier spends the majority of his time with his young family, recently welcoming a new son (October, 2021). He enjoys spending weekends exploring London, especially going to local food markets.

Smile gallery

2644
5000
+

Implants Completed

3
30
+

Years Combined Experience

60
100
%

Satisfaction Rate

Other General Dental Treatments

Preventive

PREVENTIVE CARE

View

Root-Canal

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

View

Bonding

BONDING

View

Dentures

FLEXIBLE DENTURES

View

Bridges

BRIDGES

View

Mouth-Guard

MOUTHGUARDS

View

Fillings

FILLINGS

View

Crown

CROWNS

View

Dental-Treatment

CHILDRENS DENTISTRY

View

Invisalign

ORTHODONTICS

View

Dental-Treatment

DENTURE STABILISATION

View

Dental-Treatment

HYGIENIST

View

oral-cancer-screening

ORAL CANCER SCREENING

View

Air-Abrasion

AIR ABRASION

View

Testimonials

The Dentist, Hygienist, Dental Nurses & Especially the Receptionist staff are very Polite, Friendly & most importantly they try to fit you in quickly in the event of an emergency. Recently I couldn’t get the time of work for an emergency appointment for my 81 year old Mum so I called an Uber for her & told the receptionist this. The young Black Lady called me when she ordered & place my Mother in a cab – so she went above & beyond her duties with a lot of Customer Care & Respect for my Mother- Thank You so much

Zehra M.

Friendly staff and a very good turn around for appointments , next step to meet the hygienist if he’s as lovely as the rest of the staff it will be great

Wendy D.

Had a tooth out which is never fun, but he was great, never even needed pain killers afterwards

Vince A.

Great service! Im usually so nervous when coming in to the dentist but my dentist was so pleasant and polite ! Dulwich Dental Office will definitely be my dentist for life

Tomike O.

I lost my two front teeth whilst at school and had complications for years. Unfortunately I ended up needing an implant – which I had been avoiding! I wish I had done it sooner. Dr Patel was fantastic and guided me through each stage. He was always contactable to answer any queries or concerns. Very happy with the end result and would reccomend.

Tom O.

Registered and seen on the NHS within 2 weeks – amazing. Really friendly staff, would definitely recommend

Tom C.

I have recently finished an invisalign program with Pooja at dulwich dental office and couldn’t be happier. The treatment was easy and pain free and the results are great. Pooja’s experience and friendliness made me feel at ease throughout. I would 100% recommend for anyone considering similar treatment.

Toby B.

A great surgery; Dr Cavan in particular spent time with me to make sure my new night guards fitted well and were up to the job

Dentist Pooja Pillay is excellent and was very patient with me as I I took a long time (years!) deciding whether or not to take the plunge and have Invisalign to straighten my teeth. It didn’t take too long and was easier than I thought it would be. Pooja kept a close eye on how it was all progressing and we even went a bit longer with it just to really perfect the result. I’m delighted with the outcome. Everything was included in the price, even the extra aligners and appointments when we decided to go on a bit longer. All staff at the practice have been excellent. Highly recommend.

Susie F.

I had my Invisaligns done by Dr Pillay and she really took the time to make sure my teeth are lovely and straight. She has always been available with any queries or follow up treatment I needed – and made me feel well looked after from the beginning and end of the treatment. I really recommend seeing her if you want to get Invisaligns done.

Stella C.

Dr. Cavan is super attentive and thoughtful and great at putting is patients at ease. I hate going to the dentist but havent dreaded it once. Everyone is super friendly and clinic is nice. I could not recommend more.

I am undergoing a course of Invisalign treatment with Dulwich Dental Office and I am so pleased with the results, even at this early stage. It is great that I can take the braces out to eat and clean my teeth. I am looking forward to the end result.

Sienna M.

OTHER DENTAL TREATMENTS AVAILABLE

Dental-Treatment

SPECIALIST TREATMENTS

These treatments use specalist technology, need more involved care, or are for a specific group of patients, like children.

Dental-Treatment

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

From smile makeovers and tooth whitening to invisibraces. We offer a wide range of cosmetic services to guarantee a great smile in 6 months

CONTACT US

Renowned
Dental Clinic

Dulwich Dental Office is a renowned clinic that delivers a high-quality dental care service in East Dulwich. Call: 0208 6933339

    By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website.