A sinus graft, often called a sinus lift or sinus augmentation, is a bone-grafting procedure that can make dental implant treatment possible when there is insufficient bone in the upper back jaw.
The maxillary sinuses are air-filled spaces located above the upper back teeth. Following tooth loss, the amount of bone between the mouth and sinus can sometimes be insufficient for the planned implant.
What does a sinus lift involve?
The sinus membrane is carefully accessed and elevated to create a space in which bone-grafting material can be placed.
Over time, the grafted area can heal and provide additional bone volume for implant placement.
Internal or external sinus lift?
Different techniques can be used depending upon how much additional bone is required.
An internal sinus lift can be suitable where a relatively modest increase is required and may sometimes be performed during implant placement.
An external or lateral-window sinus graft provides greater access to the sinus and may be considered where more substantial augmentation is necessary.
Dr Ali will determine whether grafting is necessary and which technique is appropriate following examination and three-dimensional assessment of the area.
Are the implant and sinus graft performed together?
Sometimes the implant can be placed at the same appointment as the sinus graft. In other cases, the graft is allowed to heal before implant placement.
The decision is influenced by the amount and quality of the patient’s existing bone and whether adequate implant stability can be achieved.
