Dental implants are an increasingly popular option for restoring function and aesthetics after tooth loss. But if your upper jaw lacks the bone volume needed to support a new restoration, sinus lift surgery is a necessary first step.
From the initial prep to your finished smile, Kimberly Chan, DDS, and Jeannie Moskin, DDS, at Moskin Dental Associates provide comprehensive care through every stage of the implant process. Here, we take a closer look at what a sinus lift involves and what to expect while you’re recovering.
When you lose a tooth in your upper jaw, the bone in that area begins to shrink while the sinus cavity expands downward. Over time, the jawbone may become too thin to securely hold an implant post.
Sinus lift surgery raises the sinus membrane, creating a space that we can fill with bone grafting material. This material stimulates new bone growth within your jaw and rebuilds the volume needed to support an implant.
Because the surgical site sits directly beneath the sinus cavity, protecting the bone graft from pressure during the early stages of healing is essential. For the first two to four weeks, you must avoid activities that create pressure within the sinuses, such as:
If you feel a sneeze coming on, keep your mouth open so the air can escape freely. You may also need to reschedule any upcoming flights, as changes in cabin pressure can easily disrupt the sinus membrane and the underlying graft.
In most cases, the bone graft needs to fully integrate with your jawbone before we can place the implant, which can take anywhere from 4-12 months. Here’s what to expect during each phase of your recovery:
After your surgery, it’s normal to feel congested like you would with a head cold. You may also experience some light bleeding or oozing from your nose or the incision site. To manage post-surgical pain and swelling, rest with your head elevated, apply ice or a cool compress, and take your prescribed pain medications as directed by our team.
The initial swelling and discomfort should begin to subside after the first few days. At this point, you can — and should — brush and floss your other teeth as normal, but work around the graft site itself. Eat soft foods like soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs, and gently rinse your mouth with salt water regularly.
Your first follow-up appointment typically happens around week two. During this visit, we make sure your recovery is progressing well and remove any non-dissolvable stitches. While you may start to feel more comfortable expanding your diet and returning to your normal routine, remain mindful of the healing graft.
Over the next few months, the graft continues to solidify and fuse with the surrounding bone, creating a solid foundation for your implant. The exact timeline depends on how much material we graft, the type of material used, and your overall health. We monitor your progress with regular checkups to determine exactly when your jaw is ready for the implant.
If you need to replace a missing tooth, our team is here to walk you through your options. We can answer all of your questions about dental implants, bone grafting, and sinus lift surgery.
Call us today to schedule an implant consultation at Moskin Dental Associates and let us help you restore a beautiful, functional smile.
