Sinus Augmentation

Advanced Dentistry in North Miami Beach, FL

Sinus Lifts Near You for a Stronger, More Confident Smile

When missing teeth or bone loss in your upper jaw begins to affect your confidence, your comfort, or your ability to enjoy meals, it can feel discouraging—but you’re not out of options. A sinus augmentation offers a safe, predictable path toward rebuilding the sinus floor and bone you need for long-lasting dental implants. At Dr. Abbo Advanced Dentistry, our top-rated dentists in North Miami Beach offer compassionate guidance and care that feels supportive from the moment you walk in.

Whether you’re visiting from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, or Hallandale Beach, Dr. Abbo and Dr. Gallego are here to make your next steps feel clear, comfortable, and achievable. If you’re ready to restore your confidence and candidacy for dental implants, call 305-945-0909 today and begin your journey toward a stronger, healthier smile.

young man visiting the dentistWhat Sets Our North Miami Beach Dental Office Apart?

At Dr. Abbo Advanced Dentistry, patients consistently highlight the care, comfort, and connection they experience from the moment they walk through our doors. What makes our practice unique isn’t just advanced dental technology—it’s the way Dr. Abbo and Dr. Gallego take the time to listen, explain, and guide each patient through every procedure with empathy and clarity.

When you choose Dr. Abbo Advanced Dentistry, you’re choosing more than a dental office—you’re joining a practice that cares about your comfort, your confidence, and your long-term oral health.

What is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift is a procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area just below the maxillary sinus floor. This helps create enough height and strength to support dental implants. For many patients in North Miami Beach, this treatment becomes an important first step toward rebuilding a strong, confident smile when bone loss has occurred over time.

When is a Sinus Augmentation Necessary?

Sinus augmentation becomes necessary when there is insufficient bone height in the upper jaw for secure dental implant placement. This lack of bone often occurs due to several factors:

  • Natural Bone Resorption: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone that once supported it no longer receives stimulation and naturally begins to shrink or “resorb” (deteriorate) over time.
  • Pneumatization of the Sinus: Following tooth loss, the maxillary sinus cavity can naturally expand downward, occupying the space where the bone used to be.
  • Periodontal Disease: Advanced gum disease can destroy the bone supporting the back teeth.
  • Anatomical Variation: Some individuals naturally have a thin upper jawbone or large sinuses.

If an implant is placed into bone that is too shallow, it could fail, or worse, penetrate the sinus cavity. An oral and maxillofacial sinus lift is the reliable pathway to create a secure, long-term foundation for the implant.

Benefits of Sinus Lift Surgery

dental x-raysThe advantages of undergoing a sinus augmentation procedure with Dr. Abbo or Dr. Gallego are substantial and long-lasting:

  • Enables Implant Placement: The primary benefit is making dental implants possible in an area of the mouth where they otherwise could not be safely or successfully placed.
  • Long-Term Stability: Implants placed in the newly augmented, strong bone are far more secure and less likely to fail, leading to excellent long-term success rates.
  • Restoration of Function: With stable implants, you regain full chewing ability, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite foods without restriction or discomfort.
  • Preservation of Facial Structure: Dental implants help prevent further bone loss, which aids in maintaining the natural structure of your jaw and preventing a “sunken” appearance that can occur with missing teeth.

Candidacy for Sinus Augmentation Surgery

Most people who have experienced bone loss in the posterior upper jaw and wish to receive dental implants are candidates for a sinus augmentation. However, suitability is determined on a case-by-case basis:

  • Evaluation: Candidacy begins with a thorough examination, including advanced 3D imaging (CBCT scan), performed by Dr. Abbo or Dr. Gallego. This allows for a precise measurement of your existing bone and the contours of your sinus.
  • General Health: Good overall health is important, particularly the ability to heal. Uncontrolled diabetes or certain pre-existing conditions may need to be managed before surgery.
  • Oral Health: Any active periodontal (gum) disease or existing infections in the sinus area must be treated and resolved before the augmentation.
  • Smoking: Smoking significantly interferes with bone healing and may negatively affect the success of the graft. We strongly recommend reducing or stopping smoking before and after the procedure.

To be sure that you’re a candidate for sinus lift surgery, contact our North Miami Beach dental office by calling 305-945-0909.

How Do Sinus Lifts Work?

The precise technique depends on the amount of bone needing to be created, but the procedure generally follows these steps:

  1. Anesthesia and Comfort: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area completely.
  2. Access:
    • Lateral Window Technique: For significant bone height needed, a small window is made in the side of the upper jawbone to access the sinus.
    • Crestal (Vertical) Approach: For minimal bone height needed, a small access point is created through the site where the implant will eventually be placed.
  3. Membrane Elevation: The delicate Schneiderian membrane lining the sinus is gently lifted, creating a pocket above the existing jawbone.
  4. Graft Placement: Bone graft material (which may be your own bone, processed human bone, synthetic material, or a combination) is carefully placed into the newly created space. Bone grafting materials used in sinus lift procedures include autografts, allografts, xenografts, and alloplastic materials.woman checking her teeth in the mirror
  5. Closure: The area is closed with sutures.
  6. Healing Period: A crucial healing period of four to nine months follows, during which the graft integrates with your bone, creating a dense, solid foundation ready for dental implant placement.

Aftercare Tips for Sinus Lift Procedures

Post-surgical care following a sinus lift is crucial for proper healing and minimizing the risk of complications. Here are some aftercare instructions:

  • Bleeding Control: Gently bite on gauze to control bleeding and promote clotting at the surgical site.
  • Swelling Reduction: Apply ice or cold packs to the surgical area for 24 hours to minimize swelling.
  • Rest and Activity: Avoid strenuous physical activities for at least 48 hours post-surgery to allow the body to recover.
  • Oral Hygiene: Refrain from brushing or flossing the surgical area for the first week to avoid disturbing the healing process.
  • Rinsing: Rinse the mouth with warm salt water two to three times a day to keep the area clean and aid in healing.
  • Sinus Congestion Management: Using decongestants like Sudafed may help manage sinus congestion after a sinus lift.
  • Bleeding Control: Gently bite on gauze to control bleeding and promote clotting at the surgical site.
  • Swelling Reduction: Apply ice or cold packs to the surgical area for 24 hours to minimize swelling.
  • Rest and Activity: Avoid strenuous physical activities for at least 48 hours post-surgery to allow the body to recover. Patients should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least 2 weeks after a sinus lift.
  • Oral Hygiene: Refrain from brushing or flossing the surgical area for the first week to avoid disturbing the healing process.
  • Rinsing: Rinse the mouth with warm salt water two to three times a day to keep the area clean and aid in healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The healing time allows the bone graft material to fully integrate and convert into strong, natural bone. This period generally takes between four and nine months, depending on the complexity of your case and the type of grafting material used. In some cases, the healing time for bone grafts in sinus lift procedures can extend up to 12 months. Dr. Abbo or Dr. Gallego will monitor your progress closely with follow-up imaging to determine the perfect time for your implant placement.

No, a sinus lift treatment doesn’t hurt. During the procedure itself, you will not experience pain. At Dr. Abbo Advanced Dentistry, the area is completely numbed with local anesthesia. Your comfort is a primary focus for our team.

Insurance coverage for a sinus augmentation (bone grafting) can be complex and varies significantly based on your individual policy. The best way to know what your plan covers is to let our experienced team in North Miami Beach, FL, help you. We will work directly with your dental and/or medical insurance provider to submit pre-authorization requests and maximize any benefits you qualify for.

No, a sinus augmentation procedure itself will not noticeably change the outward appearance of your face. In the long term, the sinus lift followed by a dental implant actually helps preserve your natural facial profile. By rebuilding this bone and placing an implant in the maxillary sinus, Dr. Abbo and Dr. Gallego help maintain the structural support for your cheeks and lips, contributing to a stable, healthy, and balanced look.

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