Sinus Lift Procedure St. Louis
Dr. Schlueter and Dr. Boszko specialize in the sophisticated procedure required to make dental implants possible using a sinus graft. When patients come to Schlueter Periodontics and Implants for a consultation, we help them discover the most appropriate treatment for their unique condition and if a sinus lift graft is a suitable restoration option.
I recently completed an implant procedure that included sinus augmentation surgery. My experience with Schlueter Periodontics was beyond reproach. Dr. Scott Schlueter was thoughtful, empathetic and eager to explain the procedures taking place at each visit. The positive energy from the entire staff was reassuring. If anyone were having a difficult day one would never know. I appreciate all they did for me and I highly recommend Schlueter Periodontics and Implants.
-Cathty S
What is a Sinus Lift Procedure?
The maxillary sinuses are behind your cheeks and on top of the upper teeth. Sinuses are like empty rooms that have nothing in them. Some of the roots of the natural upper teeth extend up into the maxillary sinuses. When these upper teeth are removed the sinuses tend to enlarge along with as we age. This can result in a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth. Dental implants need bone to hold them in place. When the sinus wall is very thin, it is impossible to place dental implants in this bone.
There is a solution and it’s called a sinus graft or sinus lift graft. The dental implant surgeon enters the sinus from where the upper teeth used to be. The sinus membrane is then lifted upward and donor bone is inserted into the floor of the sinus. Keep in mind that the floor of the sinus is the roof of the upper jaw. After several months of healing, the bone becomes part of the patient’s jaw and dental implants can be inserted and stabilized in this new sinus bone.
The sinus graft makes it possible for many patients to have dental implants when years ago there was no other option other than wearing loose dentures.
If enough bone between the upper jaw ridge and the bottom of the sinus is available to stabilize the implant well, sinus augmentations and implant placement can sometimes be performed as a single procedure.
