Bone Grafting/Sinus Lift

An individual who is missing teeth and is a candidate to receive dental implants may need to undergo a sinus lift. A sinus lift, also known as a sinus graft or sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure in which an oral/maxillofacial surgeon or a periodontist adds bone to a person’s upper jaw.

This procedure is typically performed on those who have lost molars or premolars, the teeth towards the back of their mouths. In most cases, the surgery is done to prepare an individual to receive dental implants, which are installed at a later time. The most common reasons someone might need to undergo a sinus lift are tooth decay, gum disease and dental trauma. However, less common reasons include anatomical anomalies like a small jaw, or if an individual has suffered extensive bone loss in and around the jaw area.

To complete a sinus lift, a surgeon cuts the gum tissue towards the back of the mouth where an individual’s teeth were. Then, the tissue is raised and the new bone, which can come from the graft recipient’s own body, that of a cadaver or a cow, is grafted into the sinus area above the jaw. When the grafted bone is in place, the tissue is stitched back together. Typically, the wait time between a sinus lift and a dental implant procedure is anywhere from four to nine months.

A sinus lift can have several benefits, including the growth of new bone, it can stem the advancement of periodontal disease and, after dental implants are installed, a person can chew and eat with less discomfort and difficulty, which can lead to better overall health. Consult your Orange county dentist about sinus lifts.