If you need implants in the upper jaw and have insufficient bone around your sinus, a sinus augmentation may be needed to anchor your implants. Dr. Deborah K. Ruprecht, DDS is a specialist with over 20 years of experience performing sinus augmentation services. If you live near Newport Beach, California, and would like to learn if sinus augmentation is right for you, please call for an appointment or schedule online.
Sinus Augmentation Q&A
Why would I need sinus augmentation?
Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement, but for a new implant to last a lifetime, you need enough healthy bone tissue to secure the implant in place. If you have advanced bone loss, Dr. Ruprecht will graft new bone in the sinus cavity that will fuse with your existing bone and create the foundation needed for dental implants.
The technical term for this procedure is maxillary sinus floor augmentation, but it is also referred to as a sinus lift or sinus graft.
While sinus augmentation is performed on the upper jaw, Dr. Ruprecht will advise you of your options if you need more bone tissue to anchor dental implants in your lower jaw.
What happens during sinus augmentation?
You will receive a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. There are also sedation options to help you rest calmly from start to finish.
The procedure begins with Ruprecht gaining access to your sinus cavity through your gum tissue. The sinus floor is gently pushed upward, creating a small area above your upper jaw. Next, graft material is placed into the newly created space with bone tissue from your own body or from a donor.
Dr. Ruprecht also adds platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) to the graft site. This innovation uses a small amount of your own blood that is placed into an FDA-approved IntraSpin™ device. Within a few minutes, Dr. Ruprecht has a powerful biomaterial made of your own platelets and growth factors to apply to your tissue for accelerated healing.
Finally, she will suture your gum tissue to complete the procedure.
What can I expect after my sinus augmentation?
A small degree of swelling and discomfort is normal after a sinus augmentation. You may also experience some minor bleeding. It is important to rest and follow directions during your recovery period. You will be given complete instructions for post-operative care that typically include rest, diet modifications, oral hygiene and limited activities for a few days.
Dr. Ruprecht will prescribe pain medication, natural healing supplements and antibiotics as needed. In addition to remaining in contact with you following surgery, she will schedule one or more follow-up visits to monitor your healing and guide the next steps in your treatment plan.
If you have questions about sinus augmentation, call us today or request an appointment online. We look forward to meeting you.