The key to a successful and long-lasting dental implant is the quality and quantity of jawbone to which the implant will be attached. If bone loss has occurred due to injury or periodontal disease, a sinus augmentation can raise the sinus floor and allow for new bone formation.
A sinus lift is one of the most common bone grafting procedures for patients with bone loss in the upper jaw. Strengthening and growing bone in this location allows dental implants to be placed and secured in the area.
A sinus lift may be necessary if you are missing:
In the most common sinus augmentation procedure, a small incision is made on the premolar or molar region to expose the jawbone. A small opening is cut into the bone, and the membrane lining the sinus is pushed upward.
The underlying space is filled with bone grafting material, either from your body or from a cadaver. Sometimes, synthetic materials that can imitate bone formation are used. After the bone is implanted, the incision is stitched up, and the healing process begins.
After several months of healing, the bone becomes part of the patient’s jaw. Dental implants can then be inserted and stabilized in this new sinus bone.
If enough bone between the upper jaw ridge and the bottom of the sinus is available to stabilize the implant well, sinus augmentations and implant placement can sometimes be performed as a single procedure.
If insufficient bone is available, the sinus augmentation will have to be performed first. The graft will then have to mature for several months, depending on the type of graft material used. Once the graft has matured, the implants can be placed.
The sinus graft makes it possible for more patients to have dental implants.
A sinus augmentation is generally performed at Ferber Dental Group under local anesthesia. However, some patients may request oral or intravenous sedative medication as well.
At Ferber Dental Group, we’re committed to helping patients take advantage of the latest dental technology. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.