Sinus Lift
Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Sinus Lift Washington DC & Alexandria VA
When the maxillary sinuses are positioned too close to the upper jaw, there may not be enough bone available to support dental implants. If this is the case for you, your periodontist may recommend a sinus lift procedure. During the procedure, the sinus membrane is gently raised to create space for bone grafting material. After the graft has healed and formed sufficient bone mass, a dental implant can be placed. The grafting material may come from a human donor, the patient’s own bone, or a synthetic source.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty-trained periodontists, Drs. Zalewsky, Daru, Gupta, and Lakkis have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about the sinus lift procedure, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment for a procedure, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington, D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.
Contact Precision Today
Dr. Daru
In 2005, Dr. Daru embarked on her educational odyssey, crossing continents to pursue her passion for dentistry. She obtained her Master of Science in Oral Biology and a certificate in Periodontics from the prestigious New York University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2010. During her academic years, she delved into intensive research, particularly focusing on innovative bone regeneration techniques, showcasing her dedication to advancing the field.
Dr. Gupta
Driven by a dedication to excellence, Dr. Gupta embarked on a transformative periodontal residency at the University of Detroit Mercy. Here, she earned her Master of Science and a certificate in Periodontics while simultaneously serving as an adjunct faculty for the School of Dentistry for three years. Her commitment to advancing dental knowledge took her to an international stage, where she presented groundbreaking research on clinical treatment for gum recession and root coverage at a prestigious conference in London.
Dr. Lakkis
Dr. Dima Lakkis earned her DDS with honors in 2006 and completed her Periodontics training and Master of Science at Case Western Reserve. She is Board Certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Lakkis provides a full range of periodontal and implant treatments, with advanced training in cosmetic procedures. She is an active member of several dental organizations and has published in the Journal of Periodontology on the link between periodontal and systemic health.
Dr. Zalewsky
Following his military service, Dr. Zalewsky pursued advanced training at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. There, he earned a Certificate in Periodontics and Oral Implantology, along with a Master of Science in Oral Biology. This comprehensive training equipped him to handle intricate periodontal conditions and complex oral implant procedures with precision and skill.
Sinus Lift Procedure Expectations
Prior to your procedure, a local anesthetic will be administered. Once sufficiently numbed, your periodontist will make an incision in the molar and premolar regions to expose the jawbone. Once a small opening has been made, your periodontist will have access to the sinus membrane, which they will lift up to create room for the grafting material. Once the grafting material is in place, the opening will be closed so the wound can begin the healing process. Following this, the bone graft will gradually integrate with the jawbone over the next several months until it becomes a part of the individual’s jawbone. Once this occurs, patients will be ready to have dental implants placed.
In some instances, it will be possible to perform the sinus lift and implant procedure during the same appointment, but this will depend upon whether or not the bottom of the sinus and the upper jaw ridge both have sufficient bone to support an implant. If there is sufficient bone, both procedures may occur in one appointment, but if this is there is not sufficient bone available, the patient will need to schedule two separate appointments.
Sinus Lift Aftercare
Following your sinus lift procedure, your recovery period can take anywhere from four months up to one year. Immediately following your procedure, there are several things you can do to help reduce swelling and pain and avoid unnecessary complications, such as developing an infection. Avoiding blowing your nose and sneezing (if possible) for the first month is one of the most important post-procedural rules to follow. If you suffer from allergies or are more prone to sneezing, you may consider taking a decongestant during this recovery period. Any pain or discomfort you experience during the initial recovery period can typically be alleviated with over-the-counter pain-relieving medication.
Following your sinus lift procedure, you should also be attentive to changing your gauze pad over the area where surgery took place, changing it frequently until the bleeding has stopped. You can return to brushing your teeth the day after your surgery, but it is important to practice gentle brushing and rinsing techniques when you do. If you do not currently own one, you should consider purchasing and using a soft-bristle toothbrush. If you follow these best practices, your recovery period should be relatively painless and quick. Once the healing process is complete, you will be ready to have dental implants installed.
Sinus Lift Cost
The cost of a sinus lift will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, whether or not additional procedures are required, the severity of your case, and what type of dental sedation (if any) is used.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.
For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit, and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office. You can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.
Providing you with Optimal Care
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we proudly offer outstanding oral healthcare for patients in the Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, VA, areas. In our calm, peaceful environment, we use state-of-the-art equipment to perform advanced procedures designed to achieve optimal results. Because collaboration is a key component of success, we work closely with your primary dentist to deliver the customized treatment and care you deserve.
Reach out today to learn more about our sinus lift services.