Overview
Not every patient is an ideal candidate for dental implants in the upper arch as there has to be a healthy amount of bone along with an appropriate amount of room for a surgical post to be placed without touching the sinuses. A surgical sinus lift or sinus bump may be used to help patients become candidates for a dental implant to replace upper back teeth. At Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, board-certified specialists Drs. Stephen DeMarco, Diego Miron, and Luis Delgado use advanced expertise and skill to prepare you to receive a dental implant with a sinus augmentation procedure. Inadequate jawbone height, poor bone quality, or sinuses that sit low in the upper jaw are common reasons for performing a sinus lift or sinus bump. During this process, the floor of the maxillary sinus cavity (which sits right above the upper teeth) is augmented through bone grafting so that an implant can be properly placed. To learn if sinus augmentation is right for you, schedule a consultation at one of our full-service surgical centers in Albany, NY.
Best Candidates
Candidates for sinus augmentation may have insufficient space or bone height and volume in the upper jaw to receive a dental implant. This may be caused by bone loss in the area, a maxillary sinus floor that has expanded into the space where tooth roots used to sit, or anatomy that positions the sinuses too close to where dental implants will be positioned. At your appointment, our team will capture detailed 3D images to measure your jaw and sinuses and determine whether elevating the sinus floor and placing a bone graft is a proper plan of action to allow for tooth replacement with a dental implant.
What To Expect
A sinus lift is an advanced surgical process that is completed in one of our surgical suites by a member of our experienced specialty team. Sedation dentistry is often used for this type of surgical procedure. A sinus lift raises the floor of the sinus cavity and adds bone tissue beneath to create the structure needed for implant support. In some cases, a sinus bump is performed, which creates an opening in the side of the sinus cavity into which bone grafting material is placed. This, too, creates the bone volume needed for an implant.
When you are prepped and ready, an incision will be made in the gum tissue in the back of the mouth so that we may access the treatment site. Your gums will be retracted to reveal the bone. A small opening in the bone and sinus cavity may be made through which our team will perform a sinus bump procedure. In a sinus lift, we may use advanced tools to elevate the sinus floor without needing to open the sinus cavity. Sutures will then be placed to initiate the healing process.
Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Reviews
Everyone at the office was friendly, kind and instantly made me feel safe/not worried about the procedure. I was able to make an appointment with ease in a very timely fashion. My issue was treated in less than 24 hours. I highly recommend this practice! Every part of my experience was wonderful
Yesterday I visited the office for the final procedure of my implant, "journey." I arrived early, took a seat in the waiting area and my name was called almost immediately. I was escorted to the procedure room by a bright, cheerful nurse, who explained what would be happening this visit. I mentioned that I am an anxious person and I was calmed by their understanding of my anxiety, Their confidence assured me that this procedure would get done, that day. As a person who has struggled with anxiety and suffered from crippling panic attacks for decades, it was significant to feel that confidence from them. I had a very real concern that I would have a panic attack which would prevent the completion of the procedure that visit. As I reclined in the procedure room a second nurse, just as warm and upbeat as the first, entered the room, as well as the Doctor, and the procedure commenced. I can only estimate, heaven knows I'm no oral surgeon, that roughly 90% through the procedure, I felt my anxiety take hold and take over my body. Panic attacks are pretty paralyzing by nature and mine happen to be extremely physical. First I feel light headed, then all color leaves my face, then I break out in a full body sweat, followed by visible chills. The instant the color left my face, the doctor and nurses took action. The procedure was stopped. I was feeling helpless, scared, embarrassed, and guilty that I was taking time from these individuals and waiting patients. Then the swift, expert caregiving began. An ice pack was applied to the back of my neck, then another was applied to my forehead. (it's worth mentioning, an ice pack without a hand to hold it rarely stays. So I was single handedly monopolizing one nurse, who was kind enough to hold the ice pack against my head) I was given constant compassionate reassurance by the nurses and doctor that everything was alright. I was gently instructed to breathe slowly through my nose. My condition was not improving significantly, so a nurse handed me a cup of apple juice and encouraged me to sip. Slowly I sat up and not long after I felt my physically symptomatic panic take over, again. I gave only the slightest indication I was going down-hill and one of the two nurses reclined the chair I was in again. An I.V. was quickly and skillfully placed and fluids were administered. At this point I had two ice packs (one nurses' hand), oxygen and an I.V. A precarious position to be in for an individual deep into a panic attack. Some time passed and I was soothed by the cool collected casual conversation of the two attending nurses. The doctor said that he only had one quick thing to do before my procedure was completed, and I was happy to get that quick step over and done right then. The doctor took maybe 30 seconds to complete that last step and then that was done. Unfortunately, my anxiety was not. There was nothing more that could be done for my body to improve my condition. I needed something that cannot be packaged or sterilized, something that brings comfort to the soul... and that something was being in the presence of two of the most warm, caring, down to earth, hilarious, professional women I've ever had the pleasure of almost losing consciousness around. Brittany and Kaylee were a dream. Their lighthearted conversation distracted my anxious brain and their attentiveness to my condition made me feel safe. At no point did I feel rushed or that I was an inconvenience of any kind, something that, sadly, is incredibly rare in a medical practice. These two women are incredible, compassionate caregivers. They are a joy to be around. True treasures. I cannot possibly express my gratitude for the care and reassurance that I received from Brittany and Kaylee, but I thought I'd do my best to try.
Absolutely 100% ! A plus. 4.0. On every level. Dr. Diego Miron and associate professionals and complete Staff! And a big thank you for my Dentist Dr Walsh #1 for the referral!
The entire experience was excellent, all staff and Dr Delgado were the most professional I've ever met. They are the best!
Very friendly staff. Strongly recommended 👍👍👍
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Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Recovery
Following your sinus surgery, you may be given a prescription for a pain reliever to help keep you comfortable as you recover. Our clinical staff will also talk with you or your escort about how you should take care of your incisions and provide instructions on how to care for your mouth over the next few weeks. In many cases, we will schedule a follow-up appointment about a week after your sinus surgery for suture removal. The bone graft may require a few months to heal until dental implant surgery can be scheduled.
Insurance Coverage
A member of our financial team will contact your insurance provider to learn if your plan offers coverage for sinus augmentation procedures. To help you fit any personal expenses for your care into your budget, Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons takes several payment options and can provide information on low-interest medical financing.
Sinus Lift Surgery
A sinus lift may be a key part of preparing your jaw for the successful placement of a dental implant. Like natural teeth, dental implants require proper support in the jaw to best serve your smile. As a full-service surgical practice, Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons is pleased to offer advanced sinus lift and sinus bump surgery to improve the health and lives of our patients. We invite you to call our practice in Albany, NY to schedule an appointment with one of our oral surgeons and learn more about your options for sinus augmentation.