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Missing or damaged teeth can detract from the appearance of your smile and adversely affect your oral health. When teeth are missing for a prolonged period, the jaw bone can weaken and diminish, affecting the integrity of the facial structure.
To avoid these long-term problems, it is important to take care of missing teeth as soon as possible with a dental implant.
Depending on the length of time a tooth has been missing and whether the bone has experienced resorption, you may need an extra preparatory step before the insertion of an implant: either a bone graft or a sinus lift.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants look and function like natural teeth: they are inserted directly into the bone, bringing balance and structure to the bite, smile, and face.
The implant can typically be placed over two appointments.
- During the first procedure, Dr. Fedin will surgically place a screw-like metal post into your jawbone.
- Once the implant is placed, osseointegration begins, during which your jawbone will grow around and unite with it, making a solid foundation for when the abutment and crown are eventually attached.
When Is a Bone Graft or Sinus Lift Necessary?
The dental implant procedure can only occur if the underlying bone structure is strong enough. When a tooth is missing, the bone can become weak and brittle, eventually detracting and causing a hollow, sunken look.
Aside from the aesthetic side of things, a weak bone cannot support an implant, making either a bone graft or a sinus lift necessary.
What Is a Bone Graft?
Dental bone grafts support the jaw structure and allow the bone to repair itself without incurring more damage or weakening of the jaw.
The Dental Bone Graft Procedure
The dental bone graft procedure typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes and is relatively painless when performed by a bone grafting specialist like Dr. Fedin at Chicago Dental Arts.
During the procedure, your oral surgeon will numb the area with a local anesthetic. Then, they will move the gum tissue back so that the jawbone is visible before cleaning and disinfecting the area. The bone grafting material is applied to the defect, the gum tissue is repositioned, and the incision is closed with stitches.
You may experience some initial pain, swelling, and bruising, but these symptoms should subside within a few days and can be managed with pain relievers. The dental bone graft recovery process can take around two weeks, with many patients seeing solid bone mass growth between three to six weeks.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
Sinus lift surgery involves elevating the sinus membrane and placing a bone graft onto the sinus floor. This procedure is designed for patients with insufficient bone height in the upper jaw or those with sinuses that are too close to the jaw to place dental implants.
The Sinus Lift Procedure
Your oral surgery team at Chicago Dental Arts will ensure that your sinus lift procedure is pain and anxiety-free by practicing sedation dentistry. Your experience will be as comfortable as possible.
During the sinus lift, your surgeon will make incisions in the back portion of your gum tissue to expose the bone. Next, a small area of the bone will be cut before it is lifted into the sinus cavity, raising the membrane. Then, bone grafting materials are applied to the newly lifted area, and the incisions are closed.
You may experience some swelling and discomfort immediately following the procedure. As this procedure involves manipulation of the sinus membranes, it’s important to avoid blowing your nose or sneezing, as this can irritate the area.
Your Chicago Dental Implant Specialists
So, which procedure will you need? Generally, you will need a dental bone graft if you require dental implants on the bottom row of teeth. If you have missing teeth needing implants on the top, you may need a sinus graft.
During your consultation, Dr. Fedin can discuss your precise needs to get you the best results possible.
The benefits of a dental bone graft or sinus lift include the following:
- Encourage bone growth after density loss
- Improves the structure of the jaw as bone loss increases over time
- Helps prevent gum disease
- Establishes a foundation for future dental implants
- Improves the overall oral health of the patient
Leading the team at Chicago Dental Arts, Dr. Fedin is considered one of Chicago’s leading dentists and implantologists, performing over 6,000 implant procedures. He is expertly trained and experienced in oral and maxillofacial surgeries, performing thousands of successful procedures.
Interested in Sinus Lift and Bone Grafting Procedures in Chicago, IL?
Don’t wait to improve your smile and oral health. Chicago Dental Arts can help you repair your jaw, teeth, and facial structure with a sinus lift and bone grafting procedure today. Call us at (312) 642-6631 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
