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Bone Grafting & Sinus Lift for Dental Implants Penrith
Building or Preserving Bone for Dental Implant Treatment
Dental implants need sufficient jawbone in an appropriate position for placement and support.
When a tooth has been missing for some time, or bone has been lost because of infection, gum disease, trauma or previous treatment, there may not be enough bone for an implant to be placed in the planned position without additional treatment.
At Best Western Dental Centre in Penrith, Dr Nathan Le provides dental implant treatment including bone grafting and sinus lift procedures where required.
Not every dental implant patient needs a bone graft. Your individual requirements are assessed using clinical examination and 3D CBCT imaging.
REQUEST A DENTAL IMPLANT CONSULTATION
Why Might I Need a Bone Graft for a Dental Implant?
The jawbone naturally changes after a tooth is removed. Over time, the bone that previously supported the tooth can reduce in width and height.
Bone may also be deficient because of:
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long-term tooth loss
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periodontal (gum) disease
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dental infection
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previous trauma or surgery
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the size or position of the original tooth
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the position of the maxillary sinus in the upper back jaw
If there is insufficient bone in the proposed implant position, bone grafting may be recommended to preserve or increase the available bone.
Many patients, however, have sufficient bone for implant placement without grafting.
When Can Bone Grafting Be Performed?
Bone grafting can be performed at different stages depending on the clinical situation.
At the Time of Tooth Extraction
A bone graft may sometimes be placed when a tooth is removed to help preserve the extraction site for future implant treatment. This is commonly referred to as socket preservation.
At the Time of Implant Placement
In suitable cases, bone grafting can be performed at the same appointment as implant placement.
Before Implant Placement
Where there is more significant bone deficiency, grafting may need to be performed first and allowed to heal before the implant is placed.
The appropriate approach depends on the amount and location of the missing bone and the requirements of the planned implant.
What Is a Dental Bone Graft?
A dental bone graft involves placing grafting material in an area where additional bone is required.
Different grafting materials and techniques may be used depending on the individual situation.
The graft provides a framework in the area where additional bone is required, with healing occurring over time before or around the dental implant.
The type and extent of grafting required varies considerably between implant sites.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, is a procedure that may be required when placing dental implants in the upper back jaw.
The upper premolar and molar teeth are located close to the maxillary sinus. After these teeth are lost, there may be insufficient bone height beneath the sinus for the planned implant.
A sinus lift involves carefully elevating the sinus membrane and placing grafting material to increase the amount of bone available for implant placement.
Not every upper back dental implant requires a sinus lift.
Internal and External Sinus Lift
There are different approaches to sinus augmentation. The technique used depends largely on the amount of existing bone and the amount of additional bone required.
Internal Sinus Lift
An internal sinus lift is performed through the implant site.
In suitable cases, the sinus membrane is carefully elevated from below to allow additional bone to be created in the planned implant area.
The implant may often be placed at the same appointment when appropriate implant stability can be achieved.
External Sinus Lift
An external sinus lift uses an opening through the side of the upper jaw to access the sinus area.
This approach may be considered when a greater amount of bone augmentation is required.
Depending on the available bone and other clinical factors, the implant may be placed at the same procedure or after the graft has healed.
Your CBCT helps determine whether sinus augmentation is required and which approach may be appropriate.
What About Gum Grafting Around Dental Implants?
Bone is not the only tissue considered when planning a dental implant.
In selected cases, gum grafting may also be recommended where additional or improved gum tissue is desirable around an implant.
Gum grafting is separate from bone grafting and is not required for every patient.
Dr Le assesses both the available bone and surrounding gum tissues when planning implant treatment.
How Do We Assess Whether Grafting Is Required?
At Best Western Dental Centre, implant assessment incorporates 3D CBCT imaging.
A CBCT allows Dr Le to assess the available bone and important anatomical structures, including the maxillary sinus and relevant nerves.
These findings are considered together with examination of the teeth and gums and the proposed position of the replacement tooth.
Digital implant planning can then help determine the proposed implant position and whether bone grafting or sinus augmentation may be required.
Learn more about 3D Guided Dental Implant Surgery
How Long Does Bone Grafting Take to Heal?
Healing time varies according to the type and extent of grafting, the area being treated and individual healing factors.
Some smaller grafting procedures can be performed at the same time as implant placement.
More extensive grafts may require a separate healing period before implant placement.
Similarly, some sinus lift procedures allow simultaneous implant placement, while others require the graft to heal first.
After assessment, Dr Le can explain the anticipated treatment sequence and approximate timeframe for your particular case.
How Much Does Dental Implant Bone Grafting Cost?
The cost depends on the type and extent of grafting required.
Bone grafting, sinus augmentation or gum grafting adds an additional procedure to implant treatment and therefore affects the overall cost.
Best Western Dental Centre does not advertise one grafting price as though it applies to every patient.
Following assessment and treatment planning, we provide an individual written treatment plan and quotation outlining the proposed procedures and associated fees.
Learn more about Dental Implant Costs
Bone Grafting and Sinus Lift Treatment with Dr Nathan Le
Dental implant treatment at Best Western Dental Centre is provided by Dr Nathan Le (B.D.S., University of Sydney, 1999).
Dr Le has undertaken postgraduate education in implant dentistry in Australia and internationally, including training in implant surgery, bone grafting, sinus augmentation and soft-tissue management.
Our Penrith practice has CBCT 3D imaging and digital implant planning available for implant assessment and treatment planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Have a Dental Implant If I Don’t Have Enough Bone?
Possibly.
Insufficient bone does not automatically mean dental implant treatment is not possible. Depending on the amount and location of available bone, bone grafting or another implant approach may be considered.
A clinical examination and CBCT are required to assess your individual situation.
Can a Bone Graft and Dental Implant Be Done at the Same Time?
Sometimes.
Smaller grafts can often be performed at the same time as implant placement when the clinical conditions are suitable.
More significant bone deficiencies may require grafting and healing before the implant is placed.
Can a Sinus Lift and Implant Be Done at the Same Time?
In selected cases, yes.
This depends particularly on the amount of existing bone and whether appropriate implant stability can be achieved.
Does Every Upper Molar Implant Need a Sinus Lift?
No.
A sinus lift is considered only when the available bone and sinus anatomy indicate that additional bone height may be required for the proposed implant.
Request a Dental Implant Consultation in Penrith
If you have been told that you have insufficient bone for a dental implant, or you may require a bone graft or sinus lift, a consultation can help determine what treatment options may be available.
Best Western Dental Centre offers one free dental implant consultation per person with Dr Nathan Le.
A recent suitable CBCT is required, and a $120 booking deposit is required to secure the appointment.
If you require a CBCT at Best Western Dental Centre, the CBCT fee is $280 and your $120 deposit is credited towards this fee.
If you already have a recent suitable CBCT and attend your appointment, your $120 booking deposit is refunded.
Following assessment and planning, we can provide an individual treatment plan and quotation for you to consider.
Request a Dental Implant Consultation with Dr Nathan Le
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