Sinus Lift or Sinus Augmentation
A procedure that is also referred to as "sinus lift" or "sinus graft” or “sinus augmentation" is a commonly used method for growing bone in upper jaw (maxilla) in the area of the posterior premolar and molar teeth.
The maxillary sinuses are hollow cavities that occupy the back of the upper jaw above the posterior teeth. Often the roots of the upper jaw penetrate into the maxillary sinus when they are present.
When these teeth are lost or removed, the bone that is left behind is usually inadequate to support dental implants.
The method that is used to grow bone in this area is very technique sensitive, and should only be attempted by highly trained dental surgeons. General dentists do not have adequate training to handle these types of procedures.
Preparation:
A thorough review of your health history and the health of your sinuses are first undertaken. Then a 3 dimensional (CT) scan and possibly a panoramic X-ray are taken to carefully study the anatomy of the upper jaw and sinuses. Once this information is analyzed a treatment plan is developed, and the right approach for your specific case is recommended.
How is it done?
There are two general techniques for sinus grafting.
Lateral Window Sinus Lift
The entire procedure is all done from the inside of the patient’s mouth. A small flap is elevated to expose the upper jaw, and then a window is made into the sinus. The sinus is covered by a very thin membrane. This membrane is carefully elevated away, and bone graft material is packed into the newly created space. The bone graft material can be allergenic (bottled bone from tissue banks, that are specifically processed for dental use), or autogenous (harvested from the patient.) In some instances we use synthetic material, or Infuse Bone Graft®, a form of bone growth protein.The bone usually requires six months of healing before it becomes solid enough to support dental implants.
Internal Sinus Lift
This procedure is usually done at the same time as dental implant placement. The technique involves carefully lifting the sinus membrane though a small channel that is prepared in the jaw bone at the dental implant recipient site. Then bone graft material is gently packed into the area and the dental implant is then placed.Why Choose Dr. Miles Madison?
Dr. Madison has been performing sinus lift surgery for more than 15 years, and was trained under one of the innovators of this technique. There are numerous subtle nuances that can be the difference between a successful and uneventful surgery, and one that can result is post operative complications.
If you would like to find out more or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Madison, please call (310)553-2940.
If you would like to schedule an appointment for sinus lift, please contact Dr. Madison by calling (310)553-2940.
If you have any other questions or comments regarding this article, please contact us at (310) 553-2940 or by email at beverlyhillsperio@gmail.com.
