Would you like to get dental implants, but your dentist says you need a sinus lift first? Here’s why this treatment may be necessary.

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After losing a few teeth, maybe you’ve chosen to get dental implants. That’s a wise decision – the latter objects will fully restore your grin! Still, you may need a sinus lift before implant placement. For some patients, this option will ensure an implant’s success. Luckily, it isn’t hard to learn whether you need this lift work. Your local dentist can explain all the relevant details. So, here’s a primer on why you’d need a sinus lift before dental implant treatment.

Context: What’s a Sinus Lift?
In truth, not all dental care just focuses on teeth and gums. Some services focus on improving your jawbone – sinus lifts included.

Put simply, a sinus lift is a special type of jaw surgery. It grafts bone onto the upper jaw near the molars and premolars. To make room for the extra tissue, it usually lifts the maxillary sinus membrane (hence its name.)

Generally, recovery from a sinus lift takes 6-12 months. The treatment site should be fully healed after that period. Still, the exact timing varies by patient.

Why Get One Before Implant Surgery?
To be honest, not every implant patient needs a sinus lift. Only those with specific criteria require this work before placement.

In particular, patients who’ve lost bone around their upper jaw need a sinus lift. The procedure would add new tissue to a weak part of your jawbone. From there, your jaw would have the necessary density to support implants. It’d ensure a much lower risk of implant failure.

Often, the upper jaw requires a sinus lift when:

It suffered previous damage
A cyst or tumor was removed from the area
You suffered bone loss due to gum disease
Bone tissue receded due to tooth loss
You have a naturally large sinus cavity or thin jawbone
What Should You Expect From It?
Overall, a sinus lift has two stages: the preparation phase and the later surgery. Only when both are performed does the treatment succeed.

Prep Phase
Before the actual sinus lift, you’ll consult with your dental surgeon. Doing so lets them learn your smile goals, oral health status, and medical history. That way, they can confirm whether a sinus lift suits you.

In particular, the consult may include dental X-rays or CT scans. These images will allow the dentist to assess your jaw closely. Based on what they find, they’ll then prepare for your lift treatment.

Involved Surgery
To perform a sinus lift, your dentist will carry out several steps. They’ll first make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the area’s bone. Next, they’ll push away or “lift” the now-revealed sinus membrane. After filling the space below with bone granules, they’ll wrap up by stitching the gum tissue back together. The end result will be a fuller and denser upper jaw!

Should you need a sinus lift before implant placeme

If you want your Invisalign treatment to be successful, you need to follow this list of do’s and don’ts.

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At the beginning of your clear aligner treatment, your dentist will provide you with detailed instructions on what to do to stay on-track. Despite your best intentions, you may forget their recommendations over the next couple of weeks and months, resulting in you picking up some not-so-great habits. The good news is that you can read on for three simple do’s and don’ts with Invisalign to refresh yourself!

Don’t Use Hot Water to Clean Your Aligners
Rinsing your trays throughout the day will help keep them clean and clear – just make sure to check the temperature of the water first! If it’s too hot, then the plastic can warp. Once they lose their shape, they won’t be able to effectively move your teeth into their properly aligned positions. So, always stick to cool or lukewarm water instead.

Do Wear Your Aligners for 22 Hours a Day
From the lack of dietary restrictions to the ease of brushing and flossing, having removable braces comes with several noteworthy perks. It also comes with some responsibility. After all, you have to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day in order for them to work! If you aren’t sure if you’re meeting this goal, try using the Invisalign app or the timer on your phone to help.

Don’t Drink Coffee with Your Aligners In
One of the biggest misconceptions that patients have is that they can drink coffee with your aligners in. In reality, you should remove them before eating or drinking anything other than water. If you don’t, then your trays will quickly turn from clear to yellow.

Do Prioritize Your Check-In Visits
Although the check-in visits are quick, they are incredibly important. Not only will your dentist scan your teeth to ensure they are moving properly, but they will also provide you with your next batch of aligners. Plus, if your teeth aren’t moving as anticipated, they can make the necessary adjustments early on.

Don’t Over-Indulge on Foods with Added Sugar
It’s true: Invisalign doesn’t come with any dietary restrictions. It’s important to note, however, that the development of tooth decay, gum disease, or any other dental problems will bring your treatment plan to a temporary stop. So, keep foods and drinks with added sugar to a minimum, especially during your clear aligner treatment.

Do Store Your Trays in Their Designated Case
Whether you’re eating breakfast at home, having lunch with your coworkers, or grabbing dinner with a friend, you need to store your trays in their designated storage case. If you leave them out on the table or wrap them in a napkin, it’s significantly more likely that they will end up getting thrown away or completely misplaced.

Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals to Clean Your Aligners
All you need to remove food particles, plaque, and other debris from your trays are clean, lukewarm water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. If they are starting to turn yellow, don’t use harsh chemicals, like bleach. Instead, use the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit.

Do Switch Your Trays on the Right Day
Have you ever wondered if you would see results faster if you moved onto each new set of trays early? You won’t! Remember, each aligner serves a very important purpose when it comes to safely moving your teeth into their properly aligned positions. So, follow the instructions your dentist gives you to a tee.