Don't Let Hand Pain Keep You from Flossing
About Me
Don't Let Hand Pain Keep You from Flossing

I am proud to say that I have all my own teeth at the age of 65. While that may not sound unusual to some people, everyone in my family who is my age or older wears dentures. I always tell people that that flossing is the key to good dental health. I have arthritis in my hands, but I don't let it keep me from flossing every day. My trick is to use those little "flossers" you can buy at the drug store. They have plastic handles floss stretched out on top of the handle. These make flossing easier on days when my arthritis is acting up. I started this blog to let other people know that they can keep their teeth healthy into old age when they take care of them. If you have hand pain, find ways to make flossing easier, like I did.

Don't Let Hand Pain Keep You from Flossing

What Is A Sinus Lift And Why Do You Need It?

Francis Miles

Missing teeth can be replaced in a few different ways, and many people like to choose the most complete option possible. This is one reason why dental implants are so popular. However, your dental professional may advise you to receive an additional surgery along with the implantation and this may include something called a sinus lift. Keep reading to learn what this is and why you may need it.

What Is A Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift of sinus augmentation is a procedure performed when your oral surgeon is concerned about the location of your dental implants in relation to your sinus cavities. Specifically, if implants are placed in the upper portion of the jaw, either in the molar, premolar, or incisor area, the root device may be too long and it can actually pierce the sinuses. This is a possibility due to both your anatomy and the thinning of the jaw bone.

The sinus lift involves the addition of bone material to thicken the bone and to keep the implant root from piercing the sinuses. The bone is typically added in the space between the upper jaw and the sinus cavity. This means that it will encompass some of the open space of the sinus. So, your dentist will need to complete imaging tests and examinations to make sure there is enough room left over after the operation for you to retain normal breathing behaviors.

Why Is The Sinus Lift Performed?

The sinus lift is performed to keep the implant root out of the sinus cavity. However, why is this an issue in the first place? Well, the sinuses are open to the outside environment and a great deal of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms make their way into the spaces. If the microorganisms find their way around the implant root, they can easily cause an infection. This includes a serious bone infection that can result in a failed implant device.

Also, general irritation of the mucous membranes will be an issue and you may see a great deal of swelling and fluid buildup in the region.

The sinus lift procedure is typically a minor one, and your surgeon will work with you to determine if a small sliver of your own bone or synthetic tissues will be used in the process. Keep in mind that the procedure will extend the overall dental implant treatment time, but it is necessary to prevent a wide variety of complications in the future.

If you want to know more about dental implantation and how and why a sinus lift is performed, contact a clinic like New Image Dental.


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