What is Sinus Augmentation?

The key to successful implant placement is having sufficient quantity and quality of the bone to receive the implant. It is most difficult to place dental implants in the upper back jaw. This area is close to the sinus and has insufficient bone quantity.

The bone loss in that area due to tooth loss or periodontal disease makes it difficult to place dental implants for tooth restoration. The sinus lift surgery can help alleviate this problem by raising the sinus floor. It also forms new bone to facilitate implant placement. Continue reading to learn more about sinus augmentation and how dentists perform this procedure.

What Is Sinus Augmentation?

Sinus augmentation, also known as sinus lift surgery, is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw. This bone is placed in the molars and premolars and helps to support rear teeth for successful implant placement.

It is a complicated procedure, which is why a specialist performs this surgery rather than a general dentist. Professionals who are specialists in this procedure are often oral surgeons, periodontists, or maxillofacial surgeons.

Why Do Patients Require a Sinus Lift Surgery?

There are a few specific reasons that instigate why some patients require sinus lift surgery. The examples include:

• To create room to place dental implants.
• The sinuses lie close to the jaw.
• The upper jaw’s height is too short.
• The bone is insufficient to accommodate a dental implant.

Why Do Patients Have Anomalies with Their Jaw?

Some people lose teeth in their upper jaw. These teeth are mostly molars, and in such a case, some of the jaw’s bone gets lost. So, there is a need for more bone placement before one can consider getting implants. Sometimes, periodontal disease can also reduce bone density, and patients require sinus lift surgery.

Other reasons for jaw anomalies could be missing teeth. When people lose their teeth, the bone absorbs into the body. The absorption happens mainly in the form of calcium and leads to vital bone mass in the jaw. Also, some people are born with maxillary sinuses that lie close. Therefore, a sinus lift surgery is necessary before implants placement.

How Is Sinus Augmentation Procedure Done?

The procedure starts by making an incision along the gum line. Afterward, the oral surgeon lifts the tissue from the surface to expose the bone surface. Then, a small and round window is made in the bone to have a clear view of the sinus. The oral surgeon gently moves up the patient’s jaw membrane to lift the sinus.

Afterward, the surgeon places a few granules of the graft material in the space where the sinus was. Then, the oral surgeon closes the tissue with a few stitches. The bone takes some time to heal, after which the implants are placed.

Conclusion

If you are a potential candidate for dental implants, you might require sinus augmentation before implant placement. A sinus augmentation is a safe procedure; however, it requires some time to heal before the patient can receive implants.

It is necessary to keep a follow-up with your oral health professional to ensure the growth and healing process is going according to the plan. Undergoing sinus lift surgery can significantly increase the success rate of dental implants.

Contact your Walnut Creek dentist, Massood Darvishzadeh, DDS at Walnut Creek Dental today to learn more about Sinus Augmentation.

This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition