Free Dental Implant Consultation
Dental implant patients have often lived with large gaps in their teeth for many years, and during that time the jawbone can recede significantly around the sites of tooth loss, having no tooth roots to anchor.
For some patients, the bone may have shrunk to such an extent that it makes it difficult to undergo implant treatment, and their facial appearance and contours can alter quite dramatically too.
This can cause an ageing appearance, such as a hollowing of the cheeks and the formation of an unnattractive hooked nose and chin, known as a witch’s chin.
In such cases, Johann may recommend that we carry out a sinus graft (also known as a lift or augmentation). This is surgery that adds bone to your upper jaw in the area of your molars and premolars. The bone is added between your jaw and the maxillary sinuses, site which are on either side of your nose.
The surgery means we can create additional height and width of jawbone into which we can place implants. Prior to the procedure, tests will be run to ensure the suitability of the sinuses, which may include panoramic radio scans and CT scans.
Similarly to a bone graft procedure, there are several options for the new bone material: from the patient, from another tissue sources (human or animal), or synthetic. Your dentist will advise which will be best for you.
The sinus graft will be performed by the dentist under conscious sedation in most cases. After a healing time of approximately three to four months the bone will be ready for us to place implants. Where we consider the graft to be a minor procedure, we can place the bone and the implants on the same day.
A sinus graft is a safe and clinically proven procedure that can provide the most stable base for life changing implant surgery. As with any surgical procedure, we will ensure that you understand our aftercare instructions and we will check in with you regularly to confirm that your healing is going smoothly.
Benefits of a sinus graft
- A more youthful appearance will give you your confidence back
- A second chance at the comfort and security of dental implants