Sinus Lift Procedures in Brentwood, CA

At Fairview Dental Brentwood, we specialize in providing the structural foundation necessary for successful dental implants. For many patients, the upper back jaw (maxilla) presents a unique challenge: the bone is often naturally thin, or it has been lost due to tooth removal. Furthermore, the maxillary sinuses sit directly above these teeth.

A Sinus Lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a routine surgical procedure where Dr. Thuc Luu adds bone to your upper jaw in the area of your molars and premolars. By “lifting” the sinus membrane and placing a bone graft, we create the necessary height and density to support a permanent, stable dental implant.

Why is a Sinus Lift Needed?

If you are missing teeth in the upper back jaw, you may require a sinus lift before an implant can be placed for several reasons:

• Bone Resorption: Once a tooth is lost, the bone begins to shrink. If the tooth has been missing for years, there may not be enough bone left to anchor an implant.
• Sinus Expansion: As we age, the maxillary sinuses can actually get larger (pneumatization), which further reduces the amount of available bone.
• Anatomical Variation: Some individuals simply have a naturally thin wall of bone between the mouth and the sinus.
• Gum Disease: Advanced periodontitis can lead to significant bone loss in the upper jaw.

The Sinus Lift Procedure: What to Expect

Dr. Luu combines 20+ years of clinical experience with advanced technology to make this procedure predictable and comfortable.

1. 3D CBCT Planning

We never perform a sinus lift without a 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan. This allows Dr. Luu to see the internal anatomy of your sinus, the thickness of the existing bone, and any potential obstructions. This ensures the procedure is planned with millimeter-level precision.

2. The Lifting Technique

There are two primary ways Dr. Luu may perform your sinus lift:

• The Lateral Window Technique: A small opening is made in the bone on the cheek side. The sinus membrane is gently pushed upward, and the bone grafting material is placed in the space created.
• The Osteotome Technique (Internal Lift): If only a small amount of bone is needed, we can often lift the sinus through the same opening created for the dental implant.

3. Bone Grafting and Healing

Once the membrane is lifted, Dr. Luu fills the space with high-quality grafting material. This material acts as a scaffold, encouraging your body to grow new, living bone in that space.

• Timeline: Depending on the amount of bone added, the graft typically needs 4 to 9 months to integrate (osseointegrate) before an implant can be placed. In some cases, if there is enough existing bone for initial stability, the implant can be placed on the same day as the lift.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from a sinus lift is similar to that of a tooth extraction. However, because the sinus is involved, there are specific instructions to follow:

• Avoid Pressure: Do not blow your nose or sneeze forcefully for the first 14 days. This prevents the graft material from moving or the membrane from tearing.
• Medication: We often prescribe a decongestant and an antibiotic to prevent infection and keep the sinus passages clear.
• Oral Hygiene: We will provide an antimicrobial rinse. You must avoid brushing the surgical site directly until the stitches are removed.
• Trusted Resource: Learn more about maxillary sinus health from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Why Choose Fairview Dental Brentwood?

A sinus lift is a specialized procedure that requires a deep understanding of craniofacial anatomy. Dr. Thuc Luu provides:

• In-House Microsurgery: We utilize specialized instruments designed to protect the delicate sinus membrane.
• Customized Sedation: We want you to be completely relaxed. We offer various sedation options to ensure a stress-free experience.
• Proven Success: By using the highest grade of regenerative materials, we ensure the best possible environment for bone growth and implant success.

Take the First Step Toward Your New Smile

If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for dental implants in your upper jaw, a sinus lift may be the solution. At Fairview Dental Brentwood, we have the technology and expertise to rebuild your smile from the foundation up.

Call us today at (925) 240-7253 or visit our office in the Shops at Fairview to schedule your appointment.