Patients who have limited bone volume in the upper jaw may benefit greatly from a sinus grafting procedure. In this process, bone material is added to the sinus to help promote new bone growth for a dental implant.
The maxillary sinus is located at the back of the upper jaw, behind your cheek, and above the teeth roots. Some patients may have limited bone volume in this area and will need to build more before receiving any form of a dental implant. There are two types of sinus grafting which are commonly performed:
- The internal sinus lift, also known as a vertical sinus lift, is performed at the time of implant placement. During this procedure the floor of the sinus is pushed slightly upward. The area is then filled with a bone graft. This creates an appropriate and secure fit for your dental implant.
- A lateral sinus lift, or direct sinus lift, is used when a patient has an insufficient amount of bone to receive a dental implant. During this process, a small hole is made in the jaw to then lift the sinus and place a bone graft. After this, depending on the amount of existing bone, a dental implant can be placed at the same time or after complete healing of the bone graft which may take up to 6 months.
In most cases, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories are provided to help in the healing process.
For more information on our services or to request an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (401) 521-5312.
