Sinus Augmentation

What is a Sinus?

The maxillary sinuses are relatively empty spaces the lay on top of the upper teeth, and behind the cheeks. They are so close to the upper teeth that a few of the roots of these teeth can reach into the sinuses. This means that when these teeth are extracted there is usually only a meager amount of bone keeping the mouth and sinus apart. This is important because it can prevent the use of dental implants. Dental implants require bone to keep them in the right location, in the absence of this bone they cannot be placed.

The Sinus Augmentation Procedure:

What makes or breaks a dental implant is the amount and condition of the jawbone that the implant is going to be affixed to. If there is not sufficient bone it can be very difficult if not impossible to use a dental implant. This problem can be remedied through sinus augmentation. This procedure moves the sinus floor up and helps advance the formation of bone.

In the majority of sinus augmentation procedures, the premolar and or molar area is uncovered through the use of a modest incision. Then a miniature opening is made into the bone the membrane lining the sinus itself is then pushed higher. The space made is then filled with a bone grafting material. This material can either be from your own body, a cadaver or a synthetic source. Once the bone material is placed the incision site is stitched up and you can begin recovery. Eventually, after a few months, the bone has become fully part of the patientā€™s jaw. This gives us enough jaw to successfully use dental implants.

In some cases the sinus augmentation can be completed in one procedure. This is in cases, where there is sufficient bone in the area between the bottom of the sinus and the top of the jaw ridge to ensure that the implant will be stabilized. Sinus augmentation must be done if there is insufficient bone in this location. The graft will be completed, left to heal for months, the specific recovery time depends on the material chosen. After the recovery period time has been completed then the implant may be placed.

A sinus graft is a solution to an old problem. Before patients with insufficient bone mass for implants were stuck wearing dentures, now there are more options.

Martindale Dental provides both general and specialty dentistry under one roof.Ā  For more than 20 years, our dentists have been advocates for their patient’s oral health care needs.
Our dental offices are conveniently located throughout the GTA in Hamilton (Jackson Square), St. Catharines, andĀ Cambridge, Ontario. We offer convenient appointments before or after work &Ā on weekends.

Martindale Dental provides both general and specialty dentistry under one roof.Ā  For more than 20 years, our dentists have been advocates for their patient’s oral health care needs.
Our dental offices are located throughout the GTA in
Hamilton (Jackson Square),
St. Catharines,Ā andĀ Cambridge, Ontario. We offer convenient appointments before or after work &Ā on weekends.