Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Services

Enhancing Your Smile with Sinus Lift Surgery

At Southern Oral Surgery, we specialize in sinus lift surgery, a procedure designed to restore bone volume in the upper jaw to support dental implants. Led by Dr. Ferrara, our team combines advanced techniques and personalized care to ensure a comfortable and effective solution for patients with insufficient bone density in the upper jaw.

What Happens If The Eyetooth Will Not Erupt When Proper Space Is Available?

Each case must be evaluated on an individual basis but treatment will usually involve a combined effort between the Orthodontist and the Oral Surgeon. The most common scenario will call for the Orthodontist to place braces on the teeth (at least the upper arch). A space will be opened to provide room for the impacted tooth to be moved into its proper position in the dental arch. If the baby eyetooth has not fallen out already, it is usually left in place until the space for the adult eyetooth is ready. Once the space is ready, the Orthodontist will refer the patient to the Oral Surgeon to have the impacted eyetooth exposed and bracketed.

In a simple surgical procedure performed in the surgeon’s office, the gum on top of the impacted tooth will be lifted up to expose the hidden tooth underneath. If there is a baby tooth present, it will be removed at the same time. Once the tooth is exposed, the Oral Surgeon will bond an orthodontic bracket to the exposed tooth. The bracket will have a miniature gold chain attached to it.

Shortly after surgery (1-14 days) the patient will return to the Orthodontist. A rubber band will be attached to the chain to put a light pulling force on the impacted tooth. This will begin the process of moving the tooth into its proper place in the dental arch. This is a carefully controlled, slow process that may take up to a full year to complete.

Remember, the goal is to erupt the impacted tooth and not to extract it ! Your Orthodontist & Oral Surgeon will explain this situation to you if it applies to your specific situation.

Exposure and Bracketing of an Impacted Cuspid

What To Expect From Surgery To Expose & Bracket An Impacted Tooth?

The surgery to expose and bracket an impacted tooth is a very straightforward surgical procedure that is performed in the Oral Surgeon’s office. For most patients, it is performed under IV sedation. These specifics will be discussed in detail at your preoperative consultation with your Surgeon.

You can expect a limited amount of bleeding from the surgical site after surgery.
Although there will be some discomfort after surgery at the surgical site, most patients find Tylenol or Advil to be more than adequate to manage any pain they may have. Within two to three days after surgery, there is usually little need for any medication at all. There may be some swelling from holding the lip up to visualize the surgical site; it can be minimized by applying ice packs to the lip for the afternoon after surgery. Bruising is not a common finding after these cases.

A soft, bland diet is recommended at first, but you may resume your normal diet as soon as you feel comfortable chewing.

It is advised that you avoid sharp food items like crackers and chips as they will irritate the surgical site if they jab the wound during initial healing. You should plan to see your Orthodontist at 10-14 days to activate the eruption process by applying the proper rubber band to the chain on your tooth. If your bracket should come unglued or loose, make sure you save it to be replaced. Simply call us today if you have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a sinus lift surgery involve?

Sinus lift surgery involves raising the sinus membrane and inserting bone graft material into the space to increase bone height in the upper jaw, making it possible to place dental implants.

Will I need dental implants after a sinus lift?

A sinus lift is often performed to allow for dental implants to be placed in the upper jaw. After sufficient healing of the bone graft, dental implants can be placed to restore functionality and aesthetics.

How long does it take to recover from a sinus lift?

Recovery typically takes a few weeks to months, depending on your individual healing process. Dr. Ferrara will provide specific instructions to help promote healing and ensure the success of the procedure.

Is the sinus lift procedure painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and sedation options are available for added comfort. Most patients experience mild discomfort afterward, which can be managed with pain medication.

Effective, reliable treatments for patients of all ages.

No matter what your needs or goals for your smile may be, our surgeons and teams are here to help. We look forward to meeting you and every member of your family and helping you take your first steps to better smiles.

Take some time to learn more about the services we provide at Southern Oral Surgery. When you are ready to schedule an appointment with our surgeons, contact our dental offices in Fayetteville and Griffin.

Oral and Facial Surgery

We understand that Oral and Facial Surgery is a daunting treatment recommendation. That’s why we’re committed to your comfort. Rest assured our team is well equipped to handle every patient’s case. We offer a full range of oral and facial surgery procedures and care. We offer but are not limited to the following procedures: wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, dental extractions, bone grafting, oral pathology, and maxillofacial trauma. Contact our team with any questions you have, we’ll be happy to help.

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