At Littleton Implants & Periodontics, we offer sinus augmentation, also called a sinus lift or a sinus graft, for patients with inadequate bone for dental implants around the sinus. The maxillary sinus is located on both sides of your face in the cheek region. In the mouth, the sinus is located above the molars towards the back in the upper jaw on both sides. Sometimes, the sinus might be too low and not enough vertical bone is present to place dental implants in those areas. A Cone Beam CT scan will be taken to evaluate the position of the sinuses and the amount of bone available to place implants. If there is a deficiency of bone, sinus augmentation will be needed.

THERE ARE 2 TYPES OF SINUS AUGMENTATION:

• Crestal Approach Sinus Augmentation: This procedure is completed when only a slight vertical bone deficiency is present. Usually, a dental implant can be placed at the same time as the crestal sinus lift. Bone graft material will be inserted into the sinus to indirectly lift the sinus before the implant is placed. Once the sinus lift is completed, the dental implant will be placed into the site.
• Lateral Window Sinus Augmentation: This procedure is completed when there is severe vertical bone deficiency. Dental implant placement is usually delayed until the sinus graft has healed. The sinus lift will be completed from the side of the ridge. The gum tissue is reflected to access the side of the sinus. A small window is created in the bone, and the sinus is accessed. The sinus membrane is then gently lifted off of the floor of the sinus, and bone graft material is placed under the sinus membrane. A resorbable collagen membrane is then placed over the window, and the gums are closed over the site with sutures. After 6 months of healing, a Cone Beam CT scan is then taken to evaluate the amount of bone available to place dental implants.

If you are in need of a sinus lift or would like implants placed in the back of the upper jaw, or if you would like more information on a sinus augmentation, please contact Littleton Implants & Periodontics. Dr. Ryan Jenkins and the rest of the staff are here to help.