Ridge and Sinus Augmentation

Ridge Augmentation

Sometimes after an extraction, a sunken spot or concave appearance will develop in your gum line. This looks unsightly and can also jeopardize the appearance of a bridge that goes over the area. Grafting material can be inserted under the gum to fill out this depression.

Ridge augmentation can also be used to build up an area of bone so that a dental implant can be placed.

Procedure: Your periodontist administers a local anesthetic and gently opens the area. He then fills the sunken area with grafting material.

Sinus Lift for Dental Implants

Dental implants are anchored into the bone that supports your teeth. In some cases there is not enough bone in the area and bone grafting material is needed before an implant can be placed.

Just above the bone supporting your upper teeth is a nasal cavity known as the "sinus cavity". If bone grafting material is needed in this area, then the lining of the sinus cavity must be gently lifted and bone material placed under this lining. This is known as a "sinus lift".

Sinus lift procedures are routinely done for upper implants and successfully provide enough bone to anchor them.

Procedure: An incision is made in the gum covering the upper jaw and a small amount of bone removed to expose the sinus cavity. The lining of the cavity is gently lifted and bone material inserted below it.