Sinus Augmentation

In order to place dental implants to replace the upper teeth, there needs to be enough bone and space to facilitate their successful integration. Periodontal infections, such as gum disease, can mean that you are lacking the necessary bone to place implants safely in the jaw. It’s also possible that tooth loss could have led to a loss of bone. It’s essential that you have sufficient bone for your implant to behave like a natural root. This is because the dental implant itself is anchored firmly in your jaw bone.

Commonly, the upper back jaw is one of the toughest areas to effectively place dental implants. This is because of the close proximity to the sinus and a deficiency in bone quantity and quality. The procedure raises the sinus floor and adds bone between your jaw and the maxillary sinuses. The sinus membrane has to be lifted to make room for the bone. Using the barrier membranes for guided tissue regeneration, the bone cells regenerate by multiplying in an area where the loss has occurred.

Typically, the bone will be allowed to evolve for 4 to 12 months before implants can be placed. However, this depends on each individual’s specific needs. In rare cases, the implant can be inserted during the same procedure as the sinus augmentation. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the surgery. Several techniques can be used to raise the sinus and allow for new bone to form. Your Neem Tree periodontist can clarify your options for bone and tissue regeneration.

The sinus augmentation procedure has been shown to significantly improve your chances for effective implants that can last for years to come. Of course, this is as long as you maintain a sufficient dental care routine and take good care of your dental hygiene.

Crowns, bridges and dentures can all be replaced. If you are just missing a single tooth, then this requires one implant. It also only requires one implant to replace two teeth, though of course, if these teeth are not next to each other, then you would need two.

Typically, a gap of 3 missing teeth anywhere in the mouth results in 2 dental implants supporting a three-tooth bridge. A gap of 4 missing teeth at the front of the mouth typically results in 2 implants supporting a four-tooth bridge. You can rehabilitate the whole mouth if necessary. The number of implant posts will be different depending on your individual situation.

Unfortunately, sinus lifts can be particularly unpleasant. The procedure takes over an hour to complete and patients will need to rest at home from three to ten days due to the pain that you will feel after the treatment.

• Increased bone density for patients who have insufficient upper jawbone material due to either gum disease, tooth loss, genetics or the natural process of aging.
• Increased likelihood of successful placement of dental implants.

• Often requires repeated surgeries
• Due to sinus lift complication, bone graft failure can be common
• Bone graft may fail if it gets infected

The sinus augmentation procedure usually takes from 90-120 minutes to complete. You will also need 2-3 days healing time.

Sinus augmentation surgery is generally performed under intravenous anesthetic. You are able to request oral sedation or local anesthesia if you would like. 

Although they may seem daunting, sinus augmentations are common, routine procedures. They are not expected to affect your sinuses, allergies or breathing in any way. Your dentist will examine whether you are a fit candidate for the procedure before you begin, not all patients are. 

After you have a sinus augmentation procedure, there is usually around a 3 to 6 months recovery period for the added bone to become one with your sinus floor bone. Depending on the individual’s healing process and the grafting material used, it may take from 4 to 9 months instead.

You will experience the biggest side effects of a sinus lift during your recovery. Patients usually experience side effects from the treatment such as swelling along the gum line, slight bleeding from the gums or even the nose and sometimes even tenderness. Although you may experience these side effects, the discomfort should be minimal. Over the counter painkiller should help with any discomfort you may experience after the treatment.

Crowns, bridges and dentures can all be replaced. If you are just missing a single tooth, then this requires one implant. It also only requires one implant to replace two teeth, though of course, if these teeth are not next to each other, then you would need two.

Typically, a gap of 3 missing teeth anywhere in the mouth results in 2 dental implants supporting a three-tooth bridge. A gap of 4 missing teeth at the front of the mouth typically results in 2 implants supporting a four-tooth bridge. You can rehabilitate the whole mouth if necessary. The number of implant posts will be different depending on your individual situation.

Smokers should seek the advice of an implantologist but are generally NOT advised to have dental implants as the smoking causes dental bone destruction and hence will lead to the failure of the implant.

The most natural solution would be a dental implant. Not only do they appear and feel like your own teeth, but they are also robust, durable, they improve your long-term oral health and they make it easier to eat.

Smokers should seek the advice of an implantologist but are generally NOT advised to have dental implants as the smoking causes dental bone destruction and hence will lead to the failure of the implant.

Crowns, bridges and dentures can all be replaced. If you are just missing a single tooth, then this requires one implant. It also only requires one implant to replace two teeth, though of course, if these teeth are not next to each other, then you would need two.

Typically, a gap of 3 missing teeth anywhere in the mouth results in 2 dental implants supporting a three-tooth bridge. A gap of 4 missing teeth at the front of the mouth typically results in 2 implants supporting a four-tooth bridge. You can rehabilitate the whole mouth if necessary. The number of implant posts will be different depending on your individual situation.