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 jaw bone 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
How is a sinus lift accomplished?
Most commonly, a small incision is made on the premolar or molar region to expose the jaw bone. 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 Dr. Stivers‘s office, under local anesthesia. Some patients may request oral or intravenous sedative medication as well.
Do You Need a Bone Grafting Procedure?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stivers.
Puget Sound Oral Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would give Dr. Stivers & his Assistant Tina 10 Stars! I had been dealing with an infected tooth since the end of February, and due to COVID-19 hitting Seattle, kept not being able to get an appointment for Oral Surgery where I go for dental care. I took two rounds of antibiotics as I kept trying and trying to get an appointment. On April 2nd, the tooth got worse and my Primary Care Doctor gave me more antibiotics. I continued to keep calling everywhere to get an appointment with an Oral Surgeon, and on Friday, April 3rd I called Dr. Stivers office and they agreed to treat me and I was scheduled for April 6th. Dr. Strivers and Tina came in just to treat me, and they were wonderful. It was a tooth under a bridge and Dr. Strivers did a great job of getting it out. After I got home, he and his office called to see how I was doing and he kept stressing that I could call or text him anytime. What a wonderful, caring Dentist! I so appreciated Dr. Stivers getting back to me so rapidly, and his assurances that I could contact him anytime. What had become a painful and frightening experience for me was resolved finally with kindness and expertise. I have healed well, and I can't thank Dr. Stivers and Tina enough for agreeing to open the clinic and treat me, so thank you both from the bottom of my heart for what you did for me
- Janice W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
If I could give them 6 stars I would! Dr. Stivers was so kind and down to earth. I’m usually seconds away from a freak out the moment I step into any dental office but him and his entire staff put me at ease the moment I walked in the door. I was surprised at how effortless everything was. From scheduling the appointment to the procedure itself. Big thumbs up!
- Ronianne O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was so impressed with how well everything went. I had almost no pain the same day and next day I am only a little soar in the jaw. I've needed hardly any pain meds or icing and I have almost no swelling. I can't help but tell everyone what a breeze it was getting my wisdom teeth out with your office. I appreciate your office enormously!
- Elana H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall the experience was great! I was referred by my regular doctor and scheduling was a breeze. Everything I needed was promptly handled, including calling in prescriptions for medicine pre-procedure. Pricing and payment were fairly and promptly handled. All charges were clearly explained and my permission was obtained for all extra charges beyond what my insurance covered. Overall I had an awesome experience and would recommend Dr. Stiver's office to others who need similar procedures done.
- Natalie W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Awesome service, felt very safe and taken care of by all the staff
- Avery K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Scheduling my initial appointment was easy! The receptionist helped me figure out my out of pocket costs and scheduled a consultation for me, and then I was able to schedule my extraction in office. In all, I believe the appointment itself took no longer than 2 hours. Staff were very detailed regarding aftercare and told me to call any time with questions or concerns. I would recommend them to anyone!
- Molly V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great service!
- John H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am very grateful for the prompt service, friendly staff, comprehensive information and excellent professional treatment I received. Dr Stivers and his crew went out of their way at an awkward time on short notice and still provided me with excellent care.
- Eric G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very professinal and friendly service
- Kingsley
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very good experience. Everyone was professional and friendly. Dr. Stivers was the first doctor to administer local anesthesia without the feel of the pinch for me. Totally recommend.
- Flavian C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for such a great experience. I was really dreading getting my wisdom teeth out, but all of the staff was so awesome and totally made me feel comfortable. I am telling all of my friends who have been putting it off to just go to Puget Sound Oral Surgery and get it over with!
- Melissa M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My daughter moved from Alabama to Seattle last year after college. I called several OS offices and was most comfortable with your office ... being a Mom with a daughter living over two thousand miles away from you is hard enough but when they have to have wisdom teeth out .... But your office staff made me feel so at ease and Camille said she lived the office and staff as well. Thank you for taking care for her and me !
- Paula T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great service, friendly staff, all necessary information provided, all procedures explained. My wisdom teeth removal was quick and almost painless (local injection, obviously, hurt a little). Quick recovery period!
- Yuliya R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great overall experience
- Maryjane B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience
- Yumeng M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for getting my daughter in right away with her wisdom teeth pain. It's a relief to have them out. We'll see you next summer with my son.
- Laura W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was so nervous to get my wisdom teeth removed, I waited painful 6 months to find the perfect fit. Puget Sound Oral Surgery was the perfect fit. Everyone was extremely kind and diligent.
- Shawnice D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything went smoothly. Thanks!
- Stewart M