At Main Line Endodontic & Periodontic Associates, we offer personalized care and years of experience with complex procedures like sinus lifts. Our dental office in Bryn Mawr, PA, serves patients throughout the Main Line region with gentle, advanced care in a friendly, professional environment. Whether you need a simple graft or a full implant treatment plan, we are here to help every step of the way.
A sinus lift may sound intimidating, but it’s a safe and common procedure performed by our skilled periodontist in Bryn Mawr to create a strong foundation for your new teeth.
Why Do You Need a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a type of oral surgery done to add bone to the upper jaw. It’s most often needed when there isn’t enough bone height in the back part of your upper jaw — near the molars and premolars — to support a dental implant.
This can happen for a few reasons:
- Tooth loss: When teeth are missing for a long time, the bone around them can shrink (resorb) over time.
- tural bone structure: Some people naturally have less bone in their upper jaw near the sinus area.
- Sinus position: The maxillary sinus may be too close to where the implant needs to be placed.
- Bone damage: Gum disease or other conditions may weaken the bone.
A sinus lift helps fix these dental problems by gently lifting the sinus membrane and placing new bone material in the space, allowing your jaw to hold a dental implant safely and securely.
How the Sinus Lift Procedure Works
At Main Line Endodontic & Periodontic Associates, your comfort and safety come first. Sinus lift surgery is done with local anesthesia, and in some cases, sedation may be offered to help you feel more relaxed.
To begin, the periodontist makes a small incision in the gum where the implant will go. A small window is created in the bone to reach the sinus cavity. This allows sinus membrane to be gently lifted upward.
Next, bone graft material is placed into the space between the sinus floor and the jawbone. The gum is closed with stitches to help the area heal. The bone used in the graft may be your own bone, donor bone, or synthetic material. Over the next few months, the graft will fuse with your natural bone, creating a strong base for your future implant.
What to Expect During Recovery
Most patients recover well after a sinus lift with only mild discomfort. You may feel some swelling or pressure in the cheek area, but this usually goes away within a few days. Your periodontist will give you detailed instructions to care for your mouth during this time.
Common Recovery Guidelines:
- Take it easy: Avoid strenuous activity for a few days after surgery.
- Use ice packs: This helps reduce swelling during the first 24–48 hours.
- Eat soft foods: Stick to soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and other soft foods.
- Don’t blow your nose: This can cause pressure in the sinus and delay healing.
- Use prescribed medication: Follow your periodontist’s advice for pain relief and antibiotics.
In most cases, the bone graft needs 4 to 9 months to fully heal before a dental implant can be placed. Your periodontist will monitor your progress with X-rays and regular checkups to ensure everything is healing properly.
Your Comfort Is Our Priority
We understand that any type of oral surgery can cause anxiety. That’s why at Main Line Endodontic & Periodontic Associates in Bryn Mawr, PA, we take the time to explain your options and make sure you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.
Our highly trained periodontist uses the latest tools and technology to ensure safe, predictable results. From your first visit to your final checkup, we’re here to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re planning for a dental implant and have been told you need a sinus lift, don’t wait. The team at Main Line Endodontic & Periodontic Associates in Bryn Mawr, PA, is ready to help you restore your smile with expert care and lasting results.