Sinus Lift & Bone Grafting
procedure that is used to fix problems associated with the bone or joints. It involves transplanting bone tissue, and in the field of dentistry, it is most commonly completed so that there is enough bone available to support dental implants.
What is Bone Grafting?
It is possible to grow new bone with a bone graft. Replace Roots will assess the type of grafting procedure you need so implants can be placed successfully.
Bone grafting is essential in repairing implant sites to contain adequate bone structure. This may be needed due to tooth loss, previous extractions, trauma, or gum disease. The bone will either be harvested from somewhere else in your body, such as the tibia, hip or jaw, or it can be taken from a cadaver or animal source. Special membranes are also used to encourage bone regeneration and bone grafts, and the most successful regeneration efforts will occur when using live bone from your own body.
What is a Sinus Lift?
- A key to implant success is the quantity and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed. The maxillary sinuses are behind your cheeks and on top of the upper teeth.
Sinuses are like empty rooms that have nothing in them. 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. When the sinus wall is very thin, it is impossible to place dental implants in this bone.
Sinus lift surgery can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of dental implants. Several techniques can be used to raise the sinus and allow for new bone to form. In one common technique, an incision is made to expose the bone. Then a small circle is cut into the bone. This bony piece is lifted into the sinus cavity, much like a trap door, and the space underneath is filled with bone graft material. Your periodontist can explain your options for graft materials, which can regenerate lost bone and tissue.
A sinus lift may be necessary if you:
- are missing more than one tooth in the back of your jaw
- are missing a significant amount of bone in the back of your jaw
- are missing teeth due to a birth defect or condition
- are missing most of the maxillary teeth and require support for dental implants
