How Sinus Augmentation Can Prepare Your Jaw for Dental Implants

The process of getting dental implants looks different for every patient. Sometimes certain preliminary procedures might be required to make sure that the mouth and jaw are ready for dental implant surgery. A common example is sinus augmentation, which is often performed before dental implants are placed in the upper jaw. Below is a brief overview of why sinus augmentation is often necessary and how it works.

Why Might a Sinus Augmentation Be Part of the Dental Implant Process?

The maxillary sinus cavity happens to be located very close to the back of the upper jaw. In fact, it’s seated just above where the upper molars are typically located. Consequently, if you’re getting dental implants to replace your upper molars, there may not be enough room to place them without damaging the sinus cavity.

This is where sinus augmentation comes in. The procedure is a type of bone graft that involves lifting up the sinus membrane and filling the space underneath it with grafting material. Not only does this get the sinus cavity out of the way for the surgery, but it also helps ensure that there’s a sufficient amount of bone tissue to support your implant posts.

How Does Sinus Augmentation Work?

The grafting material used for sinus augmentation is typically bone tissue taken from another part of your body or from a donor. In some circumstances, synthetic material might be used instead.

During the sinus augmentation procedure, your periodontist will administer a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the treatment. Then, they will open the gums and create a small window in the upper jawbone, which will let them work with the sinus cavity. The sinus membrane will be carefully raised, and the grafting material will be placed underneath it. Once the procedure is complete, the gums will be sutured shut to aid the healing process.

When Will You Be Able to Get Dental Implants After Sinus Augmentation?

It will take a while for the grafting material to fully integrate with the jawbone, so you won’t be able to have dental implants placed right away. It will typically take around four to nine months for your mouth and jaw to fully heal from the procedure. Your periodontist will monitor your recovery and let you know when the dental implant process can move forward.

Will you need a sinus augmentation before getting dental implants? This is a question that can only be answered once your periodontist has had a chance to examine your mouth and gather more information about your situation. Remember, a sinus augmentation may add time to the dental implant process, but it can be a crucial step for rebuilding your smile.

About the Author

Dr. Justin Braga is a periodontist with more than 15 years of experience. He earned his certificate in Periodontics and his Masters in Craniofacial Biology at the University of Southern California. Today, he is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. He is an expert when it comes to placing dental implants, and he can handle a wide range of preparatory procedures such as sinus augmentation. If you’re interested in getting dental implants, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Braga at Huntington Beach Periodontics by visiting his website or calling (714) 587-9094.