Bone grafting and sinus lifts are surgical procedures often used to help prepare the gum and jaw for dental implants or other reconstructive treatments. These procedures are often referred to as supplementary treatments and can help improve a person’s chances of having a successful dental implant procedure.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is recommended for individuals who have experienced jawbone deterioration due to missing teeth in the smile. When teeth go missing, the jawbone loses important stimulation, which is needed to keep the bone strong and healthy. The longer the gums go without teeth, the higher the risk for bone deterioration.
If a patient lacks sufficient bone mass, bone grafting can help reverse deterioration. The procedure consists of using donated and grafted bone tissue to help restore the jawbone back to its natural strength. Once the grafts have been surgically placed they’ll be given time to heal and bond with the jaw.
Sinus Lift
A sinus lift, also known as a sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jawbone in an attempt to improve the chances for dental implants. Often when teeth are missing from the upper arch, the sinuses enlarge. This makes it difficult to successfully replace teeth in the upper arch. Sinus lifts adds tissue to the deficient area so that dental implants can be placed.
When Should I Consider Treatment
If you have suffered from jawbone deterioration, schedule a consultation with our Prescott Valley dentists. Dr. Larson will perform an in-depth examination of your mouth and determine whether a supplementary treatment is needed for dental implants.
Reasons for bone grafting or sinus lift treatment include:
- Extensive loss of bone density
- Prolonged denture use
- Tooth loss
- Lack of sufficient bone
- Gum disease
If Dr. Larson determines that treatment is needed before implant placement he’ll advise you on the best course of treatment. Seeking professional attention can help get you the treatment your mouth needs to remain healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bone grafts hurt?
Most of our patients say their bone grafts do not hurt at all and the procedure is comfortable and quick. We will provide sedatives for you prior to the surgery to ensure you experience little to no discomfort as well.
Following your bone grafting procedure, it’s common to feel post-op discomfort as the new grafts work to fuse with your jawbone. We recommend taking any pain-relieving medicine to help subside any swelling and discomfort.
How long does it take to recover from a bone graft?
Recovery time from bone grafting will vary for each patient and the complexity of their surgery. Oftentimes, recovery can take anywhere from two weeks to three months.
The bone graft itself will take up to three months or more to heal because it takes a longer period of time for the bone to attach.
How painful is a sinus lift?
A sinus lift is a bit more of a complex procedure, but here at Larson Dental, we provide you with sedation dentistry to help make the process more comfortable and stress-free for you.
Patients often say they feel more pain after the surgery rather than during. This means your recovery will be slightly more uncomfortable than most dental procedures. Our team can help provide you with the right medication to help make your healing and recovery better.
What happens in a sinus lift?
During a sinus lift, Dr. Seth or Zack Larson will surgically increase the amount of bone you have in your upper jaw. This is meant to create space for a dental implant so it can successfully integrate with your jawbone.
The procedure is performed in two hours or less with a two to three-day healing period. If there is bone loss, this can increase the length of procedure time because the sinus will need to be moved up in order to make space for a bone graft.
Have Questions?
Give our Prescott Valley team a call if you have questions about bone grafting or sinus lifts. We always want to ensure our patients feel safe and comfortable for their procedures which is why we go through the entire process together at your consultation. Get scheduled today if you’re in need of a supplemental procedure.