Sinus Augmentation
What Is a Sinus?
The maxillary sinuses are air-filled spaces located behind the cheeks and above the upper teeth. In some cases, the roots of natural upper teeth extend into these sinuses. When these teeth are removed, only a thin wall of bone may remain between the sinus cavity and the mouth. Since dental implants require a solid foundation of bone for proper placement, a thin sinus wall can make implantation impossible.
The Sinus Augmentation Procedure
For successful and long-lasting dental implants, there must be sufficient bone in the upper jaw to support them. If bone loss has occurred due to periodontal disease, injury, or natural anatomy, a sinus augmentation (or sinus lift) can be performed to raise the sinus floor and stimulate new bone growth. During the procedure:
- A small incision is made in the premolar or molar area to expose the jawbone.
- A small opening is carefully created in the bone, and the sinus membrane is gently lifted.
- The space beneath the membrane is filled with bone grafting material, which may come from your own body, a donor source, or synthetic materials that mimic natural bone.
- The incision is then closed, and the healing process begins.
Over several months, the grafted bone integrates with the jaw, creating a stable foundation for dental implants.
Timing of Sinus Augmentation and Implant Placement
If there is already enough bone between the upper jaw and the sinus to stabilize an implant, the sinus augmentation and implant placement may be performed in a single procedure. However, if the bone is too thin, the sinus augmentation must be completed first, and the graft must heal for several months before the implants can be placed.
Sinus augmentation has made it possible for many patients to receive dental implants when, in the past, their only option was wearing removable dentures.