Sinus Augmentation

A key to implant success is the quality and quantity of the bone where the implant is to be placed. In the upper back jaw, there is often close proximity between the edge of the bone and the sinus. The sinus is essentially a hole in the bone. Since this is an empty space, there is no bone to support an implant. If there is an inadequate amount of bone below the level of the sinus to support an implant, bone can be grown within the sinus to increase the amount of supporting bone. This is achieved with the use of a Sinus Augmentation.

Sinus Augmentations are achieved by raising the floor of the sinus. A bone graft material is then placed below the sinus floor to allow new bone to grow. The new bone that grows provides additional support for the implant(s). Sometimes implants can be placed at the same time as a sinus augmentation. Other times bone has to grow in the sinus before the implant(s) can be placed. This is generally determined by the amount of bone present below the floor of the sinus.

Sinus Augmentation has been shown to greatly increase the success of implants in the upper back areas of the jaw.

Insufficient Bone Below Sinus

Implant After Sinus Augmentation

Pre-Treatment

Day of Implant Placement and Sinus Augmentation

6 mo after Implant Placement + Sinus Augmentation