Bone Grafting (Bone Augmentation)

 

Bone grafting is a common procedure used to ensure the long-term success and stability of dental implants. During your consultation, your surgeon may explain that a bone graft is required in order to achieve the safest and most predictable implant outcome. Although the term may sound intimidating, modern bone grafting is a routine, reliable and generally painless procedure.

Why Bone Grafting Is Needed for Dental Implants

In some cases, the jawbone may not have enough height, width or density to securely support an implant. This may occur due to tooth loss, gum disease, trauma, infection, or natural bone resorption over time.
When the bone volume is insufficient, a graft is placed to rebuild and strengthen the area before – or sometimes at the same time as – implant placement.

Today, most bone grafts are minimally invasive and easily performed in a dental office setting. Unlike older methods that required large quantities of the patient’s own bone, modern techniques typically use highly purified, sterile bone materials (xenografts), often derived from bovine bone. These materials contain only the mineral structure of natural bone and are completely safe, biocompatible and widely used.

The graft serves as a biological scaffold, supporting the surrounding bone and guiding your body to regenerate new, healthy bone through a natural healing process known as guided tissue regeneration.
Over time, your own bone replaces the graft material and creates a stable foundation for the implant.

Common Types of Bone Graft Procedures

Depending on your specific needs, your surgeon may recommend one or a combination of the following grafting procedures:

1. Alveolar Ridge Preservation (“Socket Graft”)

Placed directly into the tooth socket after an extraction to preserve bone volume and prevent collapse of the ridge.

2. Autogenous Block Graft (Ramus or Chin Graft)

Uses a small piece of your own bone to rebuild areas with significant bone loss. Typically used for more advanced defects.

3. Subantral Graft (“Sinus Lift Procedure”)

Used in the upper back jaw when the sinus cavity is too close to the area planned for implants. This procedure creates sufficient bone height for safe and stable implant placement.

Bone grafting is a highly predictable treatment and plays a crucial role in achieving long-lasting, successful implant outcomes.

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⭐ Sinus Lifting (Sinus Augmentation) –
 

A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation or a subantral graft, is a specialized bone-enhancement procedure performed in the upper jaw, specifically in the area of the molars and premolars.

Over time, the maxillary sinus can enlarge and move downward, reducing the amount of available bone for implant placement. When this occurs, there may not be enough bone height to safely anchor a dental implant.

Why a Sinus Lift Is Needed

A sinus lift is recommended when:

• Bone height in the upper jaw is insufficient

• The sinus floor has expanded or dropped

• Long-standing tooth loss has caused bone resorption

• The patient wishes to restore missing molars or premolars with implants

This procedure provides the necessary bone volume to support strong, stable, long-term implants.

How a Sinus Lift Works

During the procedure:

1. A small opening is created in the gum and bone.

2. The sinus membrane is gently lifted upward.

3. Bone graft material is placed underneath the membrane to increase bone height.

4. The area is allowed to heal, during which your own natural bone integrates and strengthens the graft.

Following healing, the implant can be safely placed — either at the same appointment or after a period of healing, depending on the bone quality.

Is the Procedure Painful?

Modern sinus lift surgery is highly predictable and performed under local anaesthesia.
Patients typically experience minimal discomfort and return to normal activity within a short period.

Benefits of a Sinus Lift

• Allows implant placement where it would otherwise be impossible

• Increases bone height for stability and long-term success

• Enhances implant strength in the upper molar region

• Predictable and widely used treatment with excellent results