Sinus Augmentation

What is the Sinus?:

The maxillary sinuses are behind your cheeks and on top of the upper molar teeth. These sinuses are empty, air-filled spaces. Some of the roots of the natural upper teeth extend up into the maxillary sinuses. When these upper teeth are removed, there is often just a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth. Dental implants need bone to hold them in place. 

Sinus Augmentation Procedure:

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.

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 made in the bone, and the membrane lining the sinus is pushed upward. The underlying space is filled with bone grafting material that can stimulate bone formation in that space. After the bone is implanted, it’s covered with a membrane and the incision is sutured and the healing process begins. After several months of healing, the bone becomes part of the patient’s jaw and dental implants can be inserted and stabilized in this new sinus bone.

If enough bone exists between the edge of the ridge and the bottom of the sinus, the augmentation and implant placement can be performed as a single procedure. If inadequate bone is available, the sinus augmentation will have to be performed first, followed by a period of healing to allow graft maturation. Once the graft has matured, the implants can be placed.

The sinus graft makes it possible for many patients to have dental implants when years ago there was no other option besides wearing loose dentures.