Sinus Augmentation
Are you a candidate for sinus augmentation? If you are missing teeth and jawbone density in the back of your jaw near your sinuses, you may not have sufficient bone for successful implants. You could have lost bone density and teeth because of a birth defect, periodontal disease, or other medical conditions. The natural healing process from an injury can even undermine the bone density required for implants.
So, if you are considering dental implants, you must have the bone density for the implant to be successful. The quantity and quality of the bone where the implant must be placed is key.
A sinus lift—or augmentation—could be warranted if your sinuses are too close to your upper jaw. That is because the upper jaw area near your sinus cavity is one of the more difficult areas to place the implant posts. You might lack sufficient bone for osseointegration—integrating the bone with the metal implant. Metal implants are typically durable titanium.
Osseointegration Is the Key
When your Vero Beach dentist places the implant post during the surgery, the implant becomes permanently anchored and gradually integrated into the jaw bone. When you are examined before the implant phase, x-rays will determine whether you have sufficient jaw bone for the implant to take.
As previously mentioned, lack of bone in the upper jaw could require sinus augmentation to prevent the titanium implant from penetrating the sinus cavities. Your sinuses consist of four paired spaces connected by narrow channels. Sinuses manufacture the thin mucus that drains out the channels in the nose to keep the nasal passages clean and free of bacteria.
Sinus Augmentation Process
Sinus augmentation can prepare you for implant surgery. The most common step-by-step technique is:
- An incision is made in the gum to expose the bone.
- A small circle is cut into the bone.
- The bony piece is lifted into the sinus cavity—similar to a trap door.
- The space beneath the sinus is filled with bone grafting material.
After the bone grafting material is applied, the incision is closed. It could take from four to twelve months before the incision is healed and the bone regenerates and is ready to accept the implant.
Benefits of Sinus Augmentation
With sinus augmentation, the implant can now be placed. There are, however, other benefits to sinus augmentation:
- Sinus augmentation replaces the bone lost because of periodontal disease.
- Sinus augmentation arrests further bone loss as well as loss of existing teeth. It creates additional support for remaining healthy teeth.
- Sinus augmentation adds bone to the upper jaw, thereby improving the patient’s facial definition, structure—and esthetic appearance.
Still Undecided About Implants?
Implants Are a Better Choice Than Dentures
Dentures are removable and typically fit over existing teeth or are affixed to the gum surface through messy adhesive. The dentist may have had to grind down adjacent teeth to snap on the device, which often rocks, slips, and impedes natural chewing.
Also, dentures can become irritating and ill-fitting as bone loss and other periodontal problems undermine the patient’s dental health. The average life of a denture is about five years.
Implants Are Anchored
Implants, on the other hand, are permanent. Your replacement teeth are anchored to a metal post. When you eat, the implant does not rock and does not interfere with normal speech. With greater chewing power, you can now crush your food more thoroughly, and your digestion will improve.
The success of implants is 90% or greater. The metal implant can last a lifetime, and the prosthetic crown can endure for ten years or longer.
Contact Us
During your consultation with our periodontist at Vero Beach, FL, you will receive a thorough dental examination with x-rays. You will be armed with the best information to decide which teeth replacement options are best for you.
Want to learn more about our periodontics and dental implant treatments in Vero Beach or Melbourne, Florida? Contact us. The professionals at Vero Beach Dental are dedicated to restoring your smile and dental health.