If you’ve worn traditional dentures for a while, you’re likely familiar with their downsides. They loosen over time, making it hard to chew and often causing sore spots. They can also slip out while eating or speaking, and to keep them in place, you’re stuck with messy adhesives. In summer, those adhesives can get runny and gloopy. In winter, it can be so stiff you can barely squeeze it out. Ready to leave all that behind? Dental implants offer a secure solution by anchoring your dentures in place. However, if your upper jawbone lacks space, you may need a sinus lift before implant placement.
Keep reading to learn what a sinus lift is, when you might need one, and alternatives if surgery isn’t right for you.
Sinus Lift Basics: What To Know Before Getting Dental Implants
You may need a sinus lift in preparation for dental implants. A sinus lift allows Dr. Rose Magno to give you more vertical bone height in your upper jaw than you currently have. This procedure typically involves gently lifting the maxillary sinus membrane (located above your upper molars) and placing bone graft material beneath it to promote jawbone cell growth.
You may need a sinus lift if your jawbone has undergone resorption. Resorption is the loss of jawbone density that occurs over time when you’ve lost a tooth. But why do you lose bone when you’re missing a tooth?
The fact of the matter is this: Tooth roots naturally stimulate bone growth, and when they’re gone, bone deteriorates. So, if you’ve been missing teeth for a while, then your jaw may not be dense or strong enough to support conventional dental implants.
While we can determine your level of bone loss with a 3D CBCT scan, you might start to notice the following symptoms:
- A shifting bite
- Changes in your facial appearance
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
- Wrinkles around your mouth
Since dentures rest on your gums and don’t replace tooth roots, they can’t stop bone loss. Dental implants can, but they need enough bone for support. So what if you’re tired of your upper dentures but have lost bone beneath your sinuses?
Types of Sinus Lift Procedures
A sinus lift can add space in your upper jaw so that you’re eligible for dental implant solutions.
There are different sinus lift techniques, and the best approach depends on your degree of bone loss:
- Direct sinus lift: Ideal for patients with significant bone loss. To reach the sinus cavity, a small “window” is cut from the bone near the back of the upper jaw. The sinus membrane is then raised, and bone graft material is placed beneath it. Over several months, the material integrates with the bone, creating a stronger foundation for future dental implants.
- Indirect sinus lift: Suitable for patients with minimal to moderate bone loss. Dr. Magno accesses the sinus through the planned implant site, gently lifts the sinus floor, and applies graft material to the area. Since it’s a much less invasive method, Dr. Magno can often place the implant during the same visit. After the procedure, the implant and bone heal simultaneously.
Are Mini Dental Implants a Worthwhile Alternative?
Dental implants improve the strength, stability, and natural function of replacement teeth. But not everyone qualifies for traditional implants without first undergoing a sinus lift or other bone grafting. These additional steps can add cost and extend your treatment timeline.
Mini dental implants may be a suitable alternative. Thanks to their smaller size (less than 3 mm in diameter) and simplified placement procedure, mini implants are an ideal option for many patients, even those struggling with bone loss. In most cases, a sinus lift isn’t even necessary for mini implant placement.
Additional advantages of mini dental implants include:
- Less invasiveness: Dr. Magno gently positions mini implants through small pilot holes in your gums without making incisions.
- Quick stability: Mini implants are immediately stable, so Dr. Magno can place a temporary restoration during the same appointment.
- Faster healing: Because her technique is so gentle, you can expect a quick recovery with very minimal discomfort. Many patients resume their normal routines in just a day or two.
- Lower cost: The mini implant procedure is more affordable than that for traditional implants, particularly since mini implants rarely require bone grafting or sinus lifts.
If you’ve been told that you’re not a candidate for traditional dental implants, mini implants are worth considering! They’re a budget-friendly solution accessible to patients who previously had few, if any, implant options.
Let’s Talk About Sinus Lifts and Your Implant Options
The sinus lift procedure benefits many patients who otherwise wouldn’t qualify for dental implants. But if the idea of surgery feels overwhelming, or if you want a quicker, more affordable path to a stable smile, mini dental implants may be the answer!
Thanks to their smaller size and minimally invasive placement, mini implants often eliminate the need for a sinus lift altogether. They provide the same life-changing benefits as traditional implants (stability, comfort, and confidence) without the added steps. If you’re ready to upgrade from traditional dentures, Dr. Rose Magno can help you explore whether mini dental implants are right for you.
Text our office today to set up a consultation!
English 
Spanish