Sinus Augmentation

A dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root which is attached to the bone underneath the gums of a missing tooth. Eventually, a replacement tooth or bridge will be firmly fixed to this implanted root, restoring function of a tooth. The key to a successful, long-lasting implant is the quality and quantity of bone to which the implant will be attached.  If bone has been lost due to injury or periodontal disease, a sinus augmentation can raise the sinus floor to allow for new bone formation.

In the most common sinus augmentation technique, a tiny incision is made near the upper premolar or molar region to expose the bone. A small opening is cut into the bone and the membrane lining the sinus on the other side of the opening is gently pushed upward. The underlying space is filled with bone graft material and the incision is closed.  The bone used for this procedure may be sourced from your own body, from a cadaver, from cow bone, or synthetically made. The implants are placed after healing has occurred. Sinus augmentation has been shown to increase the success of dental implant procedures.