Recovering From a Sinus Lift: What to Expect

Unsightly gaps caused by my missing teeth can wreak havoc on an otherwise attractive smile. Dental implants have become the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, but there’s a catch. You need to have a sufficient amount of jawbone density to support a dental implant.

In this blog post, Dr. Jenny Herman and Dr. Barry Biner of Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, discuss sinus lifts. We explain what a sinus lift procedure is, how it addresses bone density issues, and what you can expect after the procedure.

What is a sinus lift?
A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that raises the sinus floor and adds bone grafting. It is used when you’ve been cleared for dental implants, but lack enough jawbone density to support them.

A sinus lift is particularly useful for patients getting implants in the upper back jaw since it’s the most challenging area to successfully install dental implants. This is because of the proximity to the sinuses and since the upper jaw has less bone than the lower jaw.

During the procedure, we raise or lift the sinus floor or sinus membrane to create a small pocket in your upper jawbone to make room for the formation of new bone, created by bone grafting. The new, strong bone created through a sinus lift becomes the foundation for your future dental implants.

Post-surgery healing over several months

We send you home with post-surgery instructions and pain medication to keep you comfortable as well as antibiotics and prescription medication to mitigate swelling and prevent congestion.

Other precautions may include using a saline spray to keep your nose moist or a special antimicrobial mouthwash to prevent infection. Since the surgical treatment area is your sinus, it’s also important not to put yourself in environments where you’re likely to sneeze.

Patients undergoing a sinus lift can expect the full recovery process to take several months. During this time, the grafting material heals in place, becoming part of your jaw. Common post-surgery symptoms may include discomfort, swelling, and light bleeding from the nose or mouth, especially in the first few days after surgery.

Typically, you return for periodic visits with us to ensure that the healing process is proceeding as expected. Your first follow-up visit typically takes place 7-10 days after your surgery. During this initial appointment, we check the incision and remove any stitches which haven’t already dissolved.

Look for signs of infection

As with any surgical procedure, there’s always a risk of infection. Be vigilant for symptoms of infection, such as:

• Bleeding that’s continuous, bright red, or persistent
• Worsening pain or inflammation
• Fever

If you experience any of these symptoms or if you inadvertently dislodge bone graft material after blowing your nose or sneezing, contact us right away.

Our team at Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants will be with you every step of the way while you recover from your sinus lift and during your dental implant journey to capture your best smile.

To learn more about sinus lifts, contact Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants to request an appointment. Book your appointment online or call today at 225-769-1444.