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do you need an oral surgeon for a sinus lift

If you’ve been considering sinus lift surgery in Gibsonton, you’ll probably have questions about the necessity for it and who should be performing the surgery. A sinus lift or maxillary sinus lift treatment is one of the most commonly performed oral surgery types to get your jawbone ready for dental implants.  So, do you require an oral surgeon to perform the surgery, or can a dentist perform the surgery? Let’s explain the facts in simple terms.

What is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift is a type of oral surgery performed to add bone to the upper jaw (maxilla) where your molars and premolars are located. This will be necessary because this part of the jawbone is frequently too thin to support dental implants.

  • Here is how it works: The sinus membrane is carefully lifted, and bone graft material is placed in the space.
  • Why is it necessary? If you have lost bone due to missing teeth, gum disease, or age, a sinus lift can provide you with the bone support you need for implants.

When Do You Need a Sinus Lift?

Not everybody who requires dental implants will require sinus lift surgery, but it is commonly performed when:

  • Your upper jawbone is too small for an implant.
  • The roots of your upper teeth are very close to your sinus cavity.
  • You have bone loss due to missing teeth or periodontal disease.
  • Your sinuses have naturally expanded and have reduced your effective implant space.

If your dentist recommends replacing upper back teeth with implants and notes that there is a lack of bone height, they may recommend a sinus lift surgery near you before continuing.

Who Will Perform The Surgery?

This is the primary question at hand: Is a regular dentist or an oral surgeon for a sinus lift the best for the sinus lift procedure? The obvious answer is: An Oral Surgeon.

This is because:

  • They receive further training in managing oral surgery procedures.
  • They operate routinely in an area very close to areas of very high sensitivity (the sinus cavity).
  • They manage the surgical procedures and any complications that could occur.

When looking for oral surgery near you, you will want to look for an oral surgeon on a team who routinely performs sinus lifts. This ensures your treatment will be safe and comfortable.

What Happens During the Procedure?

The maxillary sinus lift procedure is typically performed in the following manner:

  • Local anesthetic is provided to ensure your comfort.
  • A small incision is made in the bone.
  • The sinus membrane is carefully lifted.
  • Bone graft material is introduced to occupy the space.
  • The area is closed, and you are allowed to heal before placing implants.

Healing can take a few months to several months, depending on how much bone was added and how you heal.

How Can You Prepare for a Sinus Lift?

  • To ensure that your sinus lift will run smoothly, your oral surgeon may request the following:
  • Dental x-rays or scans to evaluate your sinus cavity and bone levels.
  • Avoiding special medications leading up to the surgery.
  • Planning time to rest and recover after the procedure.

It’s a good idea to also ask questions during your consultation:

  • How long will I need to heal?
  • When can I get implants placed after the sinus lift?
  • What do I do at home to promote healing?

What are the Advantages of Choosing an Oral Surgeon?

If you opt for an oral surgeon sinus lift, you will gain many advantages:

  • Better safety in surgery!
  • More accurate placement of your bone!
  • Experience with anatomy relating to the sinus!
  • Guidance through the recovery!

This gives you the confidence to start your implants off on the right foot!

Take the First Step Toward Confident Implants

Having a strong team to assist you with your treatment planning is important. Orange Blossom Oral Surgery is dedicated to providing a friendly, supportive environment for our patients while we deliver exceptional care and successfully involve our patients in the comfort and results of their care. The team at Orange Blossom Oral Surgery will ensure that, whether you need a sinus lift or any other type of oral surgery, you will feel comfortable, educated, and cared for every step of the process. 

Take the next step toward a stronger, healthier smile and schedule your consultation with Orange Blossom Oral Surgery today to see how this procedure can make a difference to set you up for success.