If you have been told you lack enough bone for upper jaw implants, a sinus augmentation can change that. At Old Orchard Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. David Barack and Dr. Chander Gupta are board-certified periodontists with decades of experience.
Our dentists can perform a sinus lift, also known as a sinus augmentation, in Skokie, IL. Bone grafting can help you receive implants if you don’t have enough jaw bone. Our goal is to help you achieve a stable, long-lasting smile.
What is a Sinus?
The maxillary sinuses are behind your cheeks and on top of the upper teeth. These sinuses are empty, air-filled spaces. Some of the roots of the natural upper teeth extend up into the maxillary sinuses. When these upper teeth are removed, there is often just a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth. Dental implants need bone to hold them in place. When the sinus wall is very thin, it is impossible to place dental implants in this bone.
The Sinus Augmentation Procedure
The key to a successful and long-lasting dental implant is the quality and quantity of jaw bone to which the implant will be attached. If bone loss has occurred due to injury or periodontal disease, a sinus augmentation can raise the sinus floor and allow for new bone formation.
In the most common sinus augmentation procedure, a small incision is made on the premolar or molar region to expose the jawbone. A small opening is cut into the bone, and the membrane lining the sinus is pushed upward. The underlying space is filled with bone grafting material, either from your own body or from a cadaver. Sometimes, synthetic materials that can imitate bone formation are used. After the bone is implanted, the incision is stitched up, and the healing process begins. After several months of healing, the bone becomes part of the patient’s jaw and dental implants can be inserted and stabilized in this new sinus bone.
If enough bone is available between the upper jaw ridge and the bottom of the sinus to stabilize the implant, sinus augmentations and implant placement can sometimes be performed as a single procedure. If not enough bone is available, the sinus augmentation will have to be performed first, then the graft will have to mature for several months, depending upon the type of graft material used. Once the graft has matured, the implants can be placed.
The sinus graft makes it possible for many patients to have dental implants when, years ago, there was no alternative to wearing loose dentures.
FAQs
Read answers to common questions about sinus augmentation in our Skokie, IL, dental office.
Is a sinus augmentation painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the surgery. Most patients report that post-operative discomfort is mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.
How long does recovery take?
Initial healing takes about one to two weeks. The bone graft itself will take several months to fuse with your jawbone before an implant can be placed. Dr. Barack or Dr. Gupta will give you a clear timeline during your consultation.
Am I a candidate for a sinus augmentation?
Most adults with missing upper back teeth and insufficient bone height are candidates.
You are also a candidate if you:
- Have missing teeth due to a birth defect or condition
- Are missing most maxillary teeth
- Don’t have most of the bone in the back of your mouth
Dr. Barack or Dr. Gupta will evaluate your bone structure using 3D imaging during your consultation. They will discuss your options and create a personalized treatment plan.
How long do the results last?
The bone graft creates a permanent foundation for your dental implant. With proper care and good oral hygiene, your implant can last a lifetime. The graft material integrates with your natural bone and becomes a permanent part of your jaw.
Is a sinus lift the same as sinus augmentation?
Yes. A sinus lift and a sinus augmentation are the same procedure.
The procedure gets its name because the surgeon “lifts” the sinus membrane to create space for new bone. The added bone, or graft, comes from your own body, a donor, or a synthetic material. Over time, the graft fuses with your existing bone and creates a strong foundation for dental implants.
Can a sinus augmentation be done at the same time as an implant?
In some cases, yes. If enough bone is available to stabilize the implant, Dr. Barack or Dr. Gupta may place the implant at the same time as the sinus augmentation. If not, the augmentation will be done first, and the implant will be placed after the graft has healed. They will recommend the best approach for your specific situation.
Become a Dental Implant Candidate Today
If you have been told you lack enough bone for upper jaw implants, we are here to help. Dr. Barack and Dr. Gupta will listen to your goals, evaluate your smile, and create a personalized plan just for you.
Call us for comfortable sinus augmentation treatment in Skokie today at (847) 750-3373 or request an appointment online. We are located in Skokie, IL, and proudly serve patients from Chicago, Evanston, and surrounding communities.