Sinus Augmentation
When replacing upper back teeth, it is important to assess the health of the sinus and its proximity to the area.
A sinus lift or graft is a surgical procedure which aims to increase the amount of bone in your upper jaw, around your molars and premolars. The bone is added between your jaw and the maxillary sinuses, which are on either side of your nose. To make room for the bone, the sinus membrane has to be moved upward, or “lifted.” Sinus lifts have become more common in the last 15 years as more people get dental implants to replace missing teeth. After a sinus lift, you need to wait several months for the bony material to harden and integrate with your jaw. Depending on the grafting material used, implants may be placed in four to nine months.
Advantages
Allow the placement of dental implants – Sinus lifts allow patients with deteriorated upper jaws, small jaws, or large sinuses to be eligible for dental implants.