Bone grafting and sinus lifts, when an implant needs more support.
An implant needs enough healthy bone around it. When there isn’t enough, bone grafting or a sinus lift can build it up before or during implant placement. Your 3D CBCT scan shows whether you need either, and Dr. Patel performs both in our office.
After an extraction.
When a tooth is removed, graft material can be placed in the socket to help maintain the bone, often in preparation for an implant later.
Bone grafting.
When the jawbone is too thin or short in the area of an implant, graft material is added to build it up. Depending on your case, it’s done before the implant or at the same visit.
Sinus lifts.
In the upper back jaw, the sinus can sit close to where an implant goes. After back teeth are lost, the sinus often expands downward over time, a process called pneumatization, leaving less bone. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus floor and adds graft material underneath, creating room for the implant. There are two main approaches: an internal sinus lift, also called a crestal sinus lift, is done through the implant site, usually at the same visit the implant is placed; a lateral-window sinus lift reaches the sinus from the side when more bone is needed.
What it means for your timeline.
A typical implant heals for about 3–4 months before the final teeth. An internal (crestal) sinus lift done at the time of placement often doesn’t add time beyond that. A lateral-window sinus lift usually needs about 6 months of healing first. Every plan is customized, so Dr. Patel will give you a timeline for your case.
Questions
How do I know if I need a bone graft?
Your 3D CBCT scan shows how much bone is available where the implant will go.
What is a sinus lift?
A procedure that raises the sinus floor in the upper back jaw and adds graft material underneath to make room for an implant.
Does grafting add time?
It depends. An internal (crestal) sinus lift done at the time of implant placement often adds little or no time; a lateral-window sinus lift usually needs about 6 months of healing first.
What’s the difference between an internal and a lateral sinus lift?
An internal, or crestal, sinus lift is done through the implant site, usually when the implant is placed. A lateral-window sinus lift reaches the sinus from the side when more bone is needed and usually needs about 6 months of healing first.
Told you don’t have enough bone? Start with a consultation and a 3D scan. (630) 766-0115.