Bone Grafting And Sinus Lifts

Restore Candidacy for Dental Implants

Once a tooth is lost or extracted, the supportive underlying bone will begin to deteriorate. This can make it difficult to qualify for dental implants. If you have been told that you have insufficient tissue to receive dental implants, Dr. Strauss can perform a bone graft or sinus lift to restore your eligibility.

Grafted Bone Functions Just Like Natural Tissue

Bone grafting can help prepare your jaws for implants. Sometimes, besides a bone graft, a sinus lift needs to be involved in the dental implant procedure.

Stable Foundation
Bone grafting creates a stable foundation for dental implants—the best way to replace missing teeth.

Protect your smile
Placing a bone graft after a tooth extraction can prevent tissue loss in your jaw, effectively maintaining your oral health.

Higher Success Rates
Several studies have shown that implants placed in grafted tissue have a similar success rate to those placed in natural tissue.

How Does Implant Placement Work?

Before recommending a bone graft, Dr. Strauss will thoroughly assess your oral health and use a 3-D scanner to evaluate the condition of your teeth and jaw. Dr. Strauss’s extensive surgical experience allows him to determine which procedures are necessary and to determine what is required to produce the optimal outcome. A bone graft builds up both bone mass and density. Bone grafts may be either harvested from your own body or use donor tissue or synthetic materials. Anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Once the graft and substances to promote bone growth are placed in your jaw and secured, Dr. Strauss will close the surgical site with a membrane and sutures. After your procedure, Dr. Strauss may prescribe medication for pain relief and antibiotics to aid in your recovery.

Sinus Lifts

The membrane that separates your sinus cavity from your jaw is pushed upward to allow more space between your upper molars and the area behind your cheekbones. Bone tissue is then inserted between your jaw and sinus membrane to allow adequate spacing and to promote healthy growth. The new bone tissue is created in six to nine months, after which a dental implant post may be secured.

Recovery From A Bone Graft Or Sinus Lift

Dr. Strauss can provide you with appropriate medications and instructions to follow during your recovery from your bone grafting or sinus lift procedure. It is particularly important to take your medications as directed to minimize discomfort and speed healing. If you experience swelling, it can be minimized during the first 24 hours through the application of a cold pack to your cheek and jawbone, near the surgical area. You can expect your discomfort to be greatest for the first six hours following surgery, but you can manage your discomfort by taking your medication as Dr. Strauss directs. After this period, your pain should begin to diminish.

For strength and better healing, you should eat on your normal schedule. You may begin with soups, broths, and soft foods, before progressing to solid foods by the third day. Avoid any foods that will compress the graft area. Care for the surgical area as instructed, and avoid any over-the-counter products Dr. Strauss has not specifically recommended. Do not smoke, as it can slow the healing process. Avoid any movements that will stretch or compress the surgical area, or any manipulation of the tissue around the graft. By the third day, you should feel more comfortable and you should experience steady improvement in the time that follows. If you have any concerns about your surgery or your healing process, you are encouraged to contact Periodontal Associates.

When Can I Receive My Implant?

Because patients heal at different rates, healing from bone grafting or sinus lifts may take anywhere from six to nine months. Dr. Strauss will carefully evaluate your progress throughout this period. When there is a sufficient volume of healthy bone to support an implant, your dental implant procedure can proceed.