Even if you have bone loss, you may still be a candidate for dental implants. If there isn’t enough bone beneath your sinus to hold an implant, a sinus lift for dental implants can often provide the support needed.
Your treatment plan will be based on how much bone you have, your sinus anatomy, and your overall oral health.
Why Can Bone Loss Make Implant Placement More Difficult?
Dental implants rely on healthy bone for stability. Your maxillary sinuses are located above your upper premolars and molars.
When you lose an upper back tooth, your jawbone can shrink, and the sinus may move downward. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the process can leave you with too little bone height for a standard implant.
How Does a Sinus Lift Support Dental Implants?
A sinus lift raises the sinus floor and adds grafting material to build bone in the back of your upper jaw. At Les Belles NYC Dentistry, we use a thorough exam and dental imaging to see if sinus-lift surgery can support your implant plan.
We look at:
- How much natural bone remains
- The position and health of the sinus
- Whether the implant can be stabilized right away
- The condition of your gums and nearby teeth
Your dentist may also recommend treating gum disease or infection before starting your implant process. Healthy gums and controlled inflammation help create a stronger foundation for your implant and can affect the timing of grafting or dental implant placement. If you have bone loss in another area, a different grafting approach may be needed.
Can the Sinus Lift and Implant Be Done Together?
In some cases, if you have enough natural bone to hold the implant securely, your surgeon can place the implant during your sinus-lift procedure.
If your bone can’t provide enough stability, the graft usually needs time to heal before your implant can be placed. The American Academy of Periodontology explains that this healing process may take several months.
How We Evaluate Your Implant Options
At Les Belles NYC Dentistry on the Upper East Side, we carefully evaluate your implant site, available bone, and sinus anatomy before recommending a treatment plan. You’ll know whether a sinus lift, another grafting procedure, or a different tooth-replacement option is right for you.
Our oral surgeon, Dr. Allen Glied, is board-certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery and dental anesthesia. He also serves as Division Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at SBH Health System.
FAQ
No. Your remaining bone, sinus position, and planned implant location determine whether grafting is needed.
No. We also need to consider your gum health, sinus health, medical history, and healing capacity.
The implant may be placed during the sinus lift or after the graft has healed for several months.
Schedule a Dental Implant Evaluation on the Upper East Side
If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for an implant, we can take a closer look and walk you through your options.
Contact Les Belles NYC Dentistry to schedule your appointment with Dr. Glied and our team for dental implants on the Upper East Side.
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110 East 60th St., Ste 902
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-804-8884
Email: [email protected]
