Sinus Lift

It is very common to find that the softer bone in the area above the upper back teeth (molars and sometimes premolars) is very shallow and not suitable for normal implant procedures. To solve this problem a procedure known as a 'sinus augmentation' or 'sinus lift' was developed.

Bone may be successfully grown in the sinus spaces above your upper back teeth allowing implants to be placed. Specially treated donor bone from a 'Bone Bank,' synthetic bone substitutes, or bone from other areas of your mouth or body is placed into these empty areas. Over a period of time this is replaced by new bone thus providing a bed into which implants can be fixed.

If the amount of bone overlying the sinus is adequate, some surgeons prefer to place the implants at the same time as the grafting procedures. Whatever type of bone is added to the sinus it must be left to mature before implants are placed or brought into function.

If the implants are placed as a secondary procedure, (depending on the amount of bone being grown and the nature of the graft material used), they can be inserted after four to nine months, although occasionally it may be necessary to wait longer.

As with other bone grafting procedures, the implants are left to become fi rmly attached to bone. Commonly a slightly extended healing period is chosen with an average of six to nine months before a denture or crown and bridgework is fitted. However, all bone grafting is unique to each individual.

Dr. Nicky M Hakimi DDS, Periodontist - Providing services in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants and Periodontal Treatment to the areas of Roseville and Sacramento, California.

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