Bone grafting and Sinus Lift

Bone grafting

Bone augmentation is a term used to describe a variety of procedures used to “rebuild” the bone, enabling dental implantation. These procedures usually involve “grafting” or adding bone (or similar material) to the bone in the jaw.

The graft is harvested from the patient’s body or bone. After the procedure, patients must wait several months for the graft material to amalgamate with the existing bone.

There are several procedures for bone augmentation. Dr. Attaran will choose one depending on the type, location and number of implants. She usually waits four to nine months before placing the implants.

Sinus Elevation

Sometimes called sinus augmentation, sinus lift is a surgical procedure to add bone to the upper jaw, in the area of the molars and premolars. The procedure has become more common in the last 15 years as more people choose dental implants to replace their missing teeth.

The added bone is placed between the patient’s jaw and the maxillary sinuses, which are on either side of the nose. The sinus membrane must be “lifted” or moved upwards to make room for the bone.

The procedure is necessary when the sinuses are too close to the jaw, or if there is not enough bone height in the upper jaw to place dental implants. After sinus elevation, patients must wait four to nine months (depending on the graft material used) for the bone material to integrate into the jaw.

Patients may feel swelling in the area of the procedure and see Dr. Attaran seven to 10 days after surgery, who will assess the surgical site and remove stitches if they have not dissolved naturally. Patients may return a few times to make sure the operated area is healing well.