Sinus Grafting

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Your sinuses are hollow channels behind the cheek and above the upper teeth. Some of your tooth roots can extend into the sinuses. When a tooth extending into the sinuses is removed, there is often only a thin layer of bone separating the sinus and the mouth. This thin layer of bone may not be substantial enough to place a dental implant. Sinus lift surgery or sinus elevation is performed to 'thicken' the layer between your sinuses and your mouth to prepare the space for an implant. 

What Happens During Sinus Lift Surgery?

Patients have several anesthetic options when undergoing this procedure, including local anesthesia, general anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas).

After anesthesia, Dr. Lee makes an incision into the gum where the implant is to b placed. When the bone has been exposed, it is then cut to make a moveable flap, which is pressed gently upward into the sinus cavity. This cavity provides a space that can be filled with bone graft material.

Sometimes the dental implant is placed immediately, but it is often preferred to allow six or more months for the area to heal before placing the implant.