In part one; we explained what a sinus lift was and where it would be used. We also discussed where the additional bone comes from. Now let’s take a look at how it’s done.
How the surgery for a dental implant in Richmond is carried out
The surgeon will make an incision in your gum at the point where your back teeth used to be. The gum tissue is then pulled back to expose the bone. A small, oval shaped window is then cut into the bone. On the other side of the window, there’s a membrane which lines the sinus, and this separates it from the jaw. It’s this membrane which is then gently lifted up and pulled away from the jaw.
Your surgeon will then pack granules of bone material into the gap where your sinus was. Generally several millimetres of bone is added above the jaw, but this varies from one patient to another.
Once the gap has been plugged, the gum is stitched back together. You’ll now have to wait several months for the grafted bone to mesh with your bone. Again the length of time varies according to each individual but also depends on the amount of bone that is needed.
The follow-up- procedure
Following the surgery you’re likely to experience some swelling and pain. You may also incur some bleeding from your nose or mouth. It’s important not to blow your nose too hard or sneeze violently as this could cause the graft to shift and loosen the stitches.
You may be given saline sprays to moisten the inner lining of your nose, as well as medicine to prevent inflammation and congestion. You’ll also be given pain killers; an antibiotic and a mouth wash to help prevent infection. Whether you have surgery for a dental implant in Richmond or Harley Street, the surgeon will assure you that most patients experience very little discomfort following a sinus-lift.
After about 7-10 days, you’ll need to visit the clinic to see the specialist once more. This appointment is to check the healing progress and to remove any stitches. Depending on the individual you may need to make several return visits to check on the healing process.
Following your sinus-lift, you will have to wait for the bony material to harden and fuse with your jaw. Depending on what materials were used, it can take between 4 and 9 months before your dental implants can be placed.
Possible risks
The main risk element during surgery is that of the sinus membrane becoming torn or punctured. If it should get torn during surgery then the surgeon can stitch or patch it. If the repair doesn’t work, however, he may be forced to stop the surgery and let the hole heal itself.
Your dentist will be able to have another go at the sinus-lift once the membrane has repaired itself and often this is thicker and stronger, which means the second attempt is likely to be more successful.
Just occasionally the bone graft fails to bond with the existing bone which means that the grafted area doesn’t get any blood delivered to it. If this happens then it is impossible to place the implants because there is no live bone to attach them to. In the event this happens, your dentist can try another sinus-lift.
For more information on dental implants Richmond, contact Sheen Dental. We have a team of highly experienced professionals who are each experts in their individual fields. You can call us on 020 8875 5277 to arrange a consultation or visit our website at www.sheendental.co.uk
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