A missing bone in your upper jaw doesn’t have to mean missing out on dental implants. A sinus lift in Fargo can transform your candidacy for life-changing implant solutions. At Prairie Oral & Facial Surgery, Dr. Haas and Dr. Smart have guided countless patients through this transformative procedure, helping them access implant options they thought were impossible. As a group of highly specialized surgeons, we bring specialized expertise directly to your doorstep in Fargo.
Understanding When You Need a Sinus Lift in Fargo
As you age, your upper jaw bone, especially the area that contains your molars and premolars, gets smaller as the sinus cavities enlarge. This is complicated by the fact that upper jaw bone tends to be a bit less dense than lower jaw bone. These factors combined, can often make getting implants of adequate size in place to replace your molars. In these cases, a sinus lift becomes essential for creating the foundation your implants need. Dr. Haas and Dr. Smart use advanced 3D imaging to evaluate your bone structure and determine if a sinus lift will optimize your treatment outcomes. In addition, they use high quality bone graft materials along with platelet rich plasma, derived from your own blood, to enhance the healing properties. Many patients discover that this procedure opens doors to implant solutions they previously thought were beyond reach.
The Sinus Lift Procedure: What Actually Happens
Despite common misconceptions, sinus lift surgery follows a straightforward, well-established process. After ensuring your complete comfort with local anesthesia, your surgeon makes an incision in your gums, gently elevates the sinus membrane and introduces bone grafting material to strengthen your upper jaw. This creates the stable foundation necessary for successful implant placement.
The procedure involves:
• Precise access through the upper jaw
• Careful elevation of the sinus membrane
• Placement of high-quality bone graft material
• Closure with dissolvable sutures
Recovery typically spans several months, allowing your new bone to integrate completely before implant placement. During this healing period, you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions and regular checkups to monitor your progress.
Once your graft is deemed to be fully healed, implants can then be inserted to serve as anchors for your new teeth.
Your Experience at Prairie Oral & Facial Surgery
From your initial consultation through final restoration, you’ll experience care that prioritizes clear communication and personalized attention. Dr. Haas and Dr. Smart begin with comprehensive 3D imaging and detailed examinations to develop your customized treatment plan. Every step receives careful explanation, ensuring you understand both the procedure and expected outcomes.
Our experienced surgical team supports you throughout your journey, providing the expertise and reassurance that makes complex procedures feel manageable. Whether you’re exploring surgical options for specific needs or considering anesthesia services for enhanced comfort, we tailor every aspect of your care to your unique situation.
Planning Your Recovery Successfully
Successful sinus lift recovery requires attention to detail and patience with the healing process. Your bone graft needs time to integrate fully, typically requiring three to six months before implant placement. During this period, avoiding certain activities and following specific care instructions helps ensure optimal results.
Recovery essentials include:
• Following all post-operative instructions carefully
• Attending scheduled follow-up appointments
• Avoiding activities that increase sinus pressure
• Maintaining excellent oral hygiene around the surgical site
Dr. Haas and Dr. Smart provide detailed guidance for each recovery phase, helping you navigate this important healing period with confidence.
Combining Procedures for Maximum Efficiency
Many patients benefit from coordinating their sinus lift with other surgical services to streamline their overall treatment timeline. Whether addressing multiple implant sites or planning complementary procedures, strategic timing can reduce your total treatment time while maintaining excellent results.
Dr. Haas and Dr. Smart work closely with your general dentist and any specialists involved in your care, ensuring seamless coordination throughout your treatment journey.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Don’t let insufficient bone volume limit your implant possibilities. A sinus lift in Fargo could be the key to accessing the stable, confident smile you deserve. As your local Nobel Biocare Center of Excellence, Prairie Oral & Facial Surgery brings specialized expertise and proven results directly to the Fargo community.
Take the first step toward your new smile—contact our office today to schedule your comprehensive consultation and discover how a sinus lift can expand your treatment possibilities.
Find us conveniently located in Fargo, ready to welcome you whenever you’re prepared to begin this transformative journey.
The case below demonstrates one of many exceptional results that have been obtained utilizing the sinus lift technique.
Preoperatively, a CBCT is taken to identify that inadequate bone is present underneath the sinus cavity (outlined in red dotted line). Placement of a 10mm length implant (minimum length recommended for molar sized teeth) would lead to an extensive amount of the implant sticking into the “hollow” space of the sinus cavity. This creates long term problems with the sinus as well as problems with implant healing and longevity.
Following a sinus lift procedure described above and 6 months of healing, the patient returned with more than adequate amount of bone for solid implant anchorage below the repositioned sinus floor. The same sized virtual implants are simulated showing the improved situation.
The final CBCT demonstrates the implants were positioned as planned. Note, the metal implants cause a “scatter” artifact outlined in light blue. After 3 months of implant healing, this patient is now ready for teeth to be attached to the implants.